Daniel was a prophet of Israel during the Babylonian captivity about 600 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The book that bears Daniel’s name contains six court tales, followed by four apocalyptic visions.

In the second court tale, Daniel becomes the leader of the astrological magi, or wise-ards, of Babylon. Among his apocalyptic visions is the prediction that in “seventy weeks of years” – 490 years – from “the going forth of the word to rebuild and restore Jerusalem” would be the coming of an “anointed one.” (Daniel ch. 9)

In Ezra chapter 7, King Artaxerxes issues a decree around 457 BC to rebuild Jerusalem which resulted in the rebuilding of that city under Nehemiah. In other words, this was “the going forth of the word to rebuild and restore Jerusalem.”

Centuries later, a group of magi, wise-ards from Babylon well-versed in the writings of Daniel, followed a star that led them to Bethlehem. (Matthew ch. 2) It is from these “wise men” that Wizard Academy takes its name.

490 years after Artaxerxes issued the decree to rebuild Jerusalem recorded in Ezra chapter 7, a 33-year-old Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19)

A week later, he was crucified.

In John chapter 11, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” And then in verse 18 he says, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”