The visit from the wise men from the east (probably Babylon) was a picture of the Gentile world looking, waiting, and expecting a light to come from God that would show them the way to salvation. This was prophesied by Isaiah in chapters 42, 49 & 60 -- God marked Jesus' birth in the stars, and the wise men followed what they saw all the way to Jerusalem. I believe they were looking for the Messiah, God's anointed King of the Jews, who fulfilled Daniel's prophecies.
Sadly, Jerusalem was ignorant, complacent, and less than enthusiastic at the notion of an anointed king being born in their midst. From the very beginning of Jesus' life, we see the religious Jews desiring to kill him, and believing Israel, those with circumcised hearts, receiving Him with great joy. The same is true today.
We also see that King Herod was Satan's instrument to kill and destroy countless innocent babies. Much heartache has come to natural Israel for rejecting their Messiah. But the good news is that they can turn and receive Him at any time. As the Apostle Paul explains in Romans 11, they can be easily grafted back into God's olive tree, which represents Jesus Christ!
This wonderful gift is available to anyone who will receive it by faith!
