Why Do The Magi Matter?

Twelve verses in Chapter 2 of the Gospel of Matthew are all the attention the Magi garnered. So why were they included at all?

They matter because like everything else in the nativity, they point to the arrival of God made flesh. Regardless if you call these men Magi, Astrologers or Kings. One thing is certain. They were on a mission. They knew exactly who they were looking for, what they needed to do and they were prepared with gifts. We also know that once they hit Jerusalem, they asked for a Jewish King. Any history you read about these men it is pretty clear they are gentiles (Not Jewish), and most likely from different countries. Yet they were ready to give glory and honor to a Jewish king. Even today giving honor and glory to a ruler of another country is just asking for people to tell you to, "move there if you like them so much." Ultimately the Magi matter because they were pointing the way to right worship and praise of God. ~ You drop everything you are doing, travel the difficult road and give the very best you have in that praise.

Where were the Magi from and how many were there?

Some things we can know and others we have to walk through to learn. Its the learning that's hard, but it also yields the greatest rewards.