Matthew 2:1 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,”
Before the birth of Jesus, several wise men from the east, had set out to seek the new King. These men were not Jews, but they were highly regarded in their own country and had considerable wealth.
Many Christmas songs about these men suggest that there were three of them. It is quite likely that there were more. They also would have traveled with entourage because of robber gangs along the way – and they were carrying expensive gifts. Although only three gifts are mentioned, it is very likely that more than one person brought a gift of gold since there is no better gift to give to a king.
The journey to Jerusalem would have taken several days. They possibly rode on camels but cannot be sure of that.
Because of many Jews still living in the east, many did not return when permitted to do so after the captivity, these wise men had learned of the prophecy of Christ’s coming from Daniel 9:25. This verse clearly states the time: “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks.” After calculating one week equaling seven years, it means exactly 483 years after the command to rebuild Jerusalem.
It is very interesting to see that they understood when He would be born and believed the Scriptures regarding it. They wanted to meet Him.
Christians today have been given the prophecy that our King would return to take us Home to be with Him forever. Most believers, it seems, by the way they live, are not expecting Him anytime soon, even though the handwriting is on the wall for this world. The world is clearly being prepared for the antichrist, yet many believers are following the ungodly ways of the world and seem to be indifferent to the prophecies and the times.
Christian, are you really looking for His possible return – which could be today? Remember that there are no prophecies to be fulfilled before He comes to take us out of here.