“These magi were carefully prevented from finding Christ by their own efforts or with the aid of men. They found him solely because of the prophet, written word, and the star that shone from heaven in order that all natural knowledge and all human reason might be rejected and every enlightenment repudiated except that which comes through the Spirit and grace. For human reason boasts and claims arrogantly to teach truth and show the proper way, just as the blind men in the universities, of whom we spoke earlier, at present claim to be able to do. Here is determined for all time that Christ, who is the truth that brings salvation, will not permit himself to be taught or found through the teachings or aid of men. The Scriptures alone and the light of God must show him.”

Luther, Martin. “The Gospel for the Festival of the Epiphany, Matthew 2:1-12” from his Christmas Postil (1522) Luther’s Works Vol. 52. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1974, page 194.

The 3 magi went first to Jerusalem rather than directly to Bethlehem. Martin Luther had thoughts on why that was:

“Here we ask why Christ did not lead these magi up to Bethlehem with the star, but instead permitted his birth, which was now known, to be searched for in Scripture. He did this to teach us to cling to Scripture and not to follow our own presumptuous ideas or any human teaching. For it was not his desire to give us his Scripture in vain. It is in Scripture and nowhere else, that he permits himself to be found. He who despises Scripture and sets it aside, will never find him.”

Luther, Martin. “The Gospel for the Festival of the Epiphany, Matthew 2:1-12” from his Christmas Postil (1522) Luther’s Works Vol. 52. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1974, page 171.