The Fourth Magi is the story of Artaban, a Persian magi, whose family has recently died tragically. Artaban, while studying the stars, discovers a new star, the one foretold in the Old Testament. He resolves to follow the star and find Jesus, despite the ridicule of his friends. Taking his ever-complaining slave, Orantes, he embarks on his perilous journey of faith.

The movie details the journey of Artaban and the many trials he encounters. In the end, Atraban meets the physical Jesus only on his death bed, but we learn that Artaban had been ministering to Jesus whenever he helped "the least of my brothers".

Our family highly recommends this movie for family viewing. Orantes provides several interludes of comic relief. Though the story is fictional, it would still be an excellent addition to your study of Israel in the time of Jesus Christ, and an inspiring movie for all to watch. *****

The Fourth Magi stars Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin, and is based on the novel, The Story of the Other Wise Man, by Henry Van Dyke. The movie was produced in 1985 by Paulist Productions.