Dec 5
Did you know that there was a Fourth Wise King?
Few know of the existence of Artaban, the fourth Wise King, who never reached his destination and still, he was rewarded.
A legend tells us that Artaban was a man with long beards, noble and deep eyes, who resided, it is said in the year 4 BC, on Mount Ushita. He had the gift of learning of some events from an oracle. And although he warned others of the arrival to the world of someone who would bring the forgiveness of sins, few believed him.
One day. Artaban received a message from Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, informing him of the good news, the imminent birth was confirmed, and he was invited to join them on a journey from Borsippa, where the four Kings would meet, and follow a star of shining light.
Artaban prepared his horse, carefully chose the offerings destined for the Messiah; a diamond, a jasper, and a ruby, and he set off.
Just as Artaban was near Borsippa, he met a man in trouble: a merchant who had been beaten to the brink of death.
Artaban took pity on him and without hesitation, gave him the diamond whose purpose was different.
The encounter with the helpless merchant caused the Wise Man to be delayed, so when he arrived in the meeting place, he was given a note informing him that his companions could not delay any longer and had decided to leave. However, they told him the way. He had to continue crossing through the desert and be guided by the star until he reached Bethlehem.
Artaban set off again but harried his horse so much that the poor animal died, and he had to continue on foot.
When Artaban finally arrived in Bethlehem, he was filthy and tired. He asked about the other Kings but nobody knew: King Herod’s persecution and massacre of all children under two years of age made them rush away.
Artaban witnessed the massacre and he was broken-hearted. When he saw a soldier about to kill a little boy, he offered the soldier one of the jewels – the ruby – in exchange for the boy's life.
The soldier's boss realized the deal and imprisoned Artaban, who remained imprisoned for about 30 years.
After that, he was freed by the soldiers. He was old, blind, and close to death,
Shortly after, Artaban's big heart caused him to help one more person: this time a young girl.
Artaban walked through the streets tired but full of hope. Some people were about to crucify a false prophet who claimed that He was the Son of God —you can guess who He was.
Yet Artaban continued walking and saw the auction of a young girl, who was sold as a slave. Our Wise King, who no longer owned anything, remembered that he still had a jewel left, the jasper. He gave it in exchange for the girl's freedom.
The young woman, grateful, kissed his wounded hands and blind eyes; he only smiled.
Seconds later the earth shook, opened, and swallowed the body of Artaban. But then, he heard a voice thanking him for everything he had done.
Artaban did not remember doing anything for him, and the voice answered: "What you did for my brothers, you did for me."
And so, Artaban died in the arms of God.