Did Jesus Actually Exist-Part 4

Historians widely accept JESUS’s existence. Non-Christian evidence, such as archeological evidence, points out that what has been known for generations corresponds to events that took place and are recorded in the Bible during the story of JESUS’s birth, life, and resurrection. We will provide you with the relevant, valid evidence that you need to examine and decide for yourself what this means. For most, this means that there is God who created all that you see around you. We will provide you with all the “small” things that exist to show that Jesus lived and died. The accumulation of all the small things will show you a picture of something truly amazing that will change you and your life for the better.

Who was JESUS? Obviously, we cannot call his agent and have a sit-down with him. So, the next best thing, 2900 plus years later, is to take the Bible and its historical content and see if those details can be seen in the discoveries verified by archaeology or other accepted proof. This will then bring life to what you are reading in the Bible. This makes it more real to us. We, as people, need to see viewable evidence to make things really real for us. You need to consider whether you are an individual like this or if you take everything with blind faith. For things to make sense to you, if you see the actual proof, are you more convinced than a text message or a rumor you read on social media?

It is much harder to see that proof actually exists that Jesus did exist and die. We all, at some point in our lives, hoped this was not true before we accepted Him as LORD and SAVIOR. After you see that the facts and evidence are, in fact, true, you will have to deal with the decisions that come afterward. Will you accept JESUS as your LORD and SAVIOR, or will you continue down the wide road? That will, as always, be up to you, Freewill.

We all will make some critical decisions in our lives to make it more livable; we can do that with stacks, we need to make our lives eternal. There is a massive difference between making a life livable and eternal. If you need help with making sure that facts are true, we can provide that for you, too. We will show you and tell you how much better your life will be with Jesus when you start to think eternal instead of living for the now. Again, it’s your choice.

You will read about various pieces of evidence that agree with the scripture. When you have seen all the evidence that shows JESUS existed, HE was crucified and was resurrected on the third day. You need to know that historical and archeological evidence exists that validates the facts of JESUS in the Bible. The Bible is a historical book, and the probability that JESUS and the events that took place to HIM in the four Gospels are very likely to have taken place.

The journey of truth is not easy. You will be required to think and logically put the pieces together to get the big picture, which will help you reach a conclusion. When we change our view from the vertical to the horizontal, the picture becomes more focused and precise, making the decision easier.

Be ready for the truth; sometimes the truth hurts.

MAGI

Most modern scholars consider the Magi legendary or symbolic rather than historically verified individuals. No primary sources outside the Gospel of Matthew document their existence, and their story is often seen as serving a theological or literary purpose within Matthew’s narrative, highlighting the recognition of Jesus by Gentiles and affirming his kingship.

Not in any of the three other Gospels is the story of the Magi coming to the birthplace of Jesus mentioned, only in Matthew chapter 2. The Bible describes them as distinguished foreigners from “the East” who visit the newborn Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The biblical account does not have their number, names, or origins.

The title “Magi” was used in antiquity for various roles, including astrologers, priests, and wise men, particularly in Persian and Babylonian contexts.

While the specific individuals in Matthew’s account are not historically attested, the term “Magi” referred to a real priestly or scholarly class in the ancient Near East, especially among Persians and Babylonians, who were known for their expertise in astrology, dream interpretation, and religious rituals. If we consider the Book of Daniel in chapters 1:20, 2:2, 4:7, 5:7, these individuals were responsible for interpreting dreams and making decisions for Nebuchadnezzar and other kings. These individuals were Magi; they could have possibly come from the east because of the possible connection to the Medes.

The earliest reference to the Magi is from an inscription from Darius (circa 520 BC). Greek manuscripts also mention Magi from the text of Heraclitus (circa 6 BC). Other sources unrelated to the Bible also mention knowledge of these people. Pliny the Elder and Josephus say that they practiced magic, astrology, and dream interpretation.

A minority of researchers and some theologians propose that Matthew’s account could be based on an actual diplomatic or religious delegation from the East, possibly from Nabatea, Persia, or Babylon, who had the motive and means to seek out a prophesied king.

The “Magi” or wise men are key figures in the narrative who travel from the East to seek the newborn king, guided by the star. Their role highlights the cultural and astrological dimensions of the story, emphasizing the significance of their observations in the context of ancient astrology and the political landscape of the time.