tag="{http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml}a">52

The Good Samaritan 54 Importunity Rewarded 56 The Unmerciful Servant 58 The Good Shepherd 60 The Lost Piece of Money 62 The Prodigal Son 64 Peter's Wife's Mother Cured 66 The Unjust Steward 68 The Rich Man and the Beggar 70 "Avenge Me of My Adversary" 72 The Pharisee and the Tax-Gatherer 74 The Laborers in the Vineyard 76 The Barren Fig Tree 78 The Wicked Husbandman 80 Without the Wedding Garment 82 The Foolish Virgins 84 The Parable of the Talents 86 Man with the Withered Hand 88 Jesus Ascends to Heaven 90 The Philippian Jailer 92 Timothy and His Mother Eunice 94 Christ Blessing the Children 96

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NEW TESTAMENT STORIES

THE WISE MEN'S VISIT.ToC

The birth of Jesus Christ was announced by two remarkable events: the coming of wise men from the East, and the appearance of angels to some shepherds at Bethlehem.

The wise men were probably astronomers; and in watching the stars they had seen one that had led them to leave their own country, and take a long journey to Jerusalem. Most likely they rode on camels, and their journey was a tedious one. But at last they reached Jerusalem, where they inquired saying, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East and are come to worship Him." Tidings of these inquiries were brought to King Herod, and when he heard them he was much troubled. He was a wicked king; and feared that if another king had been born, he would grow up and take the crown away. Herod was also cruel and treacherous, and while pretending to act rightly, often did many evil things. And now he intended to destroy the infant King, who might one day take his sceptre away.

So he first sent for the learned men of the Jews, the chief priests and scribes, and demanded of them where Christ should be born; and when they had replied that it was to be in Bethlehem, he secretly called the wise men before him, and inquired of them what time the star appeared. After getting the information he needed, he dismissed the wise men, bidding them to go to Bethlehem "and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him," said Herod, "bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also."

So the wise men left King Herod and Jerusalem, and journeyed onward towards Bethlehem; and the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child lay. And when they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy, for they knew they had found Him whom they had come so far to seek.