There were no Wise Men at Jesus' birth. 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 38)
Dec 20, 2024
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Discover the timeline of the wise men's visit and the unexpected insights about their gifts. Dive into the debate on penal substitutionary atonement and how it aligns with faith. Explore the historical significance of the Ezekiel Temple and sacrifices. Unravel the connection between bodybuilding and spirituality, questioning modern fitness culture's biblical compatibility. Finally, learn the path to true contentment, emphasizing faith over worldly desires, especially during the holiday season.
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Quick takeaways
The wise men did not visit Jesus at his birth, emphasizing the critical importance of closely reading scripture for understanding biblical timelines.
The distinction between the shepherds and wise men highlights the need to recognize scriptural details for a deeper appreciation of biblical narratives.
Understanding language and context in scripture reveals that Jesus was likely a young child, illustrating the significance of paying attention to biblical details.
Deep dives
Understanding the Role of the Wise Men
The wise men did not arrive at the birth of Jesus, which reveals the importance of closely reading scripture to glean significant insights. Evidence suggests that when they found Jesus, he was already in a house, a detail highlighting that time had passed since his birth in Bethlehem. This is supported by scriptural references that clarify the distinction between the shepherds, who were present at the manger, and the wise men, who came later. Such discussions encourage a deeper appreciation for the details in the biblical text that many overlook, asserting the value of reading scripture independently rather than solely relying on teachings from others.
Exploring the Significance of Location
There are multiple reasons to believe the wise men were not present at Jesus' birth, emphasizing the significance of the location described in scripture. Initially, Jesus was born in a manger due to a lack of space in the inn, an important detail that establishes where the initial events took place. The subsequent encounters with the wise men occurred in a house, signaling a transition in Jesus' early life and underscoring the timeline of events. This examination illustrates how paying attention to such contexts can deepen one's understanding of biblical narratives.
The Context of Jesus' Age at the Visit
The term 'young child' used to describe Jesus when the wise men visited further supports the notion that he was not an infant at that time. The Greek terms for infant and child indicate that the wise men encountered Jesus at a stage beyond mere infancy, suggesting he may have been up to two years old. This aligns with the timeline and journey of the wise men, who had to travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem after Jesus' birth had already occurred. Such insights illustrate how critical attention to language and context leads to a richer understanding of the events around Jesus' early life.
Implications of Herod's Actions
Herod's decree to kill all male children two years and younger provides additional perspective on Jesus' age at the time of the wise men's visit. The timing of this order suggests that Jesus had already been alive for some duration and was likely no longer a newborn. This harsh action by Herod also contextualizes the broader narrative of peril surrounding Jesus' early years, emphasizing the conflicts between earthly powers and the divine mission of Christ. Through careful reading, the implications of these historical details paint a clearer picture of the significance and dangers faced by the holy family.
Valuable Lessons from Scripture
The conclusion emphasizes the importance of paying attention to details in scripture, which can reveal profound truths and lessons for believers. When individuals treat the Bible merely as a devotional text, they risk missing the divine inspiration and rich teachings embedded in the details. Embracing a more in-depth study habit can lead to greater wisdom and insight into various aspects of life, whether they relate to personal struggles, relationships, or moral dilemmas. This approach encourages believers to see the Bible as an essential guide, not just for inspiration but for understanding God's complete message.
1. 0:02 {Learning to Pay Attention!} Were there really “Wise Men” at Jesus’ birth? 2. 12:05 {No PSA = OK?} Is it possible to not believe in Penal Substitutionary Atonement without being a Progressive? 3. 16:19 {Does God Know His Own Future?} Does God perfectly and exhaustively know His own future? If He does, is He able to change His future, or is He only able to do what He already knows He is going to do? 4. 23:04 {By Grace, Through Faith, No Works} As a former strict, legalistic Orthodox, will I ever be able to grasp that salvation truly is by faith and NOT works? I STRUGGLE! 5. 27:28 {The Temple – Continued Sacrifices?} What do we make of the Temple at the end of Ezekiel? It says God will dwell there, and sacrifices will be continued by Levites (Ch. 43:7; 19). Verse 27 indicates this will continue happening. 6. 32:27 {Is “Bodybuilding” Biblical?} My friends and I love natural bodybuilding. Is it biblical to work on your body to one day showcase it in minimal clothing on a bodybuilding stage or on social media in a non-sexual way? 7. 39:56 {True Peace in the Midst of Storms} Can you give us some thoughts on how to have peace and joy in Christ in this season, despite being stuck in some really messed up circumstances? 8. 44:33 {Choosing Sides?} A friend of a friend asked why he has to “choose sides” (God or the Devil). Why can't he just remain neutral? He claims it's not really free will when there's only one “right side.” 9. 48:35 {Purity in the Marriage Bed} Are married Christian couples allowed to engage in things like kink, costumes, and roleplay in the bedroom? Hebrews 13:4 states that the marriage bed must remain pure. But what is in and out of bounds? 10. 53:40 {David’s Salvation – Murderer?} If according to John, no murderer has eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15), how do we explain David’s salvation, since he had Uriah killed? 58:24 Bonus Q! Since Christmas is next Wednesday, what’s your favorite Christmas tradition? And what Christmas traditions would you recommend avoiding/refusing to participate in?
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