1.4.21 Recap: Gospel Week - Magi & Epiphany

Tonight Week 1: Gospel Week The Magi and Feast of the Epiphany (Matt 2:1-12)

Opening Prayer Dear God, we thank you for everyone gathered here today and ask that you surround us with your powerful, life-changing presence. Be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Fill our hearts with your love, fill our words and conversations with truth and grace. We also pray for all those in need in the world… those suffering from the threat of violence… those suffering from Covid-19… and we pray for the special intentions of everyone here, in the silence of our hearts. And if anyone would like to us ask us all to pray for someone or something special… Lord, thank you for hearing our petitions and for sending your healing grace to all those for whom we have prayed. And as you taught us to pray: Our Father Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily Bread; And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Gospel Readings

Context of the Magi Visit and Epiphany: To properly prepare for this reading and the context, let’s read the opening passage.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

Q: Who were the Magi? Astrologists, astronomers, wise men, kings, or scientists?

They could have been all of them because, except for kings, they meant the same thing.

Astrology was astronomy plus they questioned their meaning in human affairs. They were the scientists of their time and quite smart. They measured the locations and movements of the stars and planets knew their patters and the constellations.

Even kings were possible since there were times when wise men became kings. They were called philosopher-kings, e.g., Solomon.

Q: Any clues or ideas about where the Magi came from?

That the Magi “came from the east” is problematic for Persia since Scripture always records the Persians as located to the north. Arabia was considered to the east. Several of the early Church Fathers wrote that they came from the Arabia – which would mean from Nabataea – and that is a strongly held opinion by some today.

The Nabataeans were originally nomadic Bedouin tribes from the Arabian Desert. They emerged as a distinct civilization and political entity between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC, with their kingdom centered around a loosely controlled trading network that brought considerable wealth and influence across the ancient world. Described as fiercely independent by contemporary Greco-Roman accounts, the Nabataeans were annexed into the Roman Empire by Emperor Trajan in 106 AD. One historian described the Nabataeans as "one of the most gifted peoples of the ancient world."

Epiphany. We use the occasion of the arrival of the Magi to celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord Jesus on Jan 6. Although Jan 6 is the official date around the world, some countries (like us) celebrate it on the first Sunday after Jan 1.

Q: What does Epiphany mean?

The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word for “manifestation,” “to make known,” or “sudden insight or perception.” It is applied in Christianity to the unveiling of who Jesus was: the long-awaited Savior who turned out to be God incarnate himself, and who had not only come for the Jews who had spent 2000 tough years preparing for this, but for every people and nation on earth.

Q: Why do we use the arrival of the Magi to celebrate the “Epiphany of our Lord Jesus”?

The key part of the Magi’s identity is that they were Gentiles who had been called. Up until this point in the Christmas story, only Jews had found their way to Bethlehem. This detail cannot be overlooked, for it is clear that the Gospel is going out to all the world.

Q: The “Epiphany of the Lord, Jesus” is not limited to the Magi visit. What other events are considered part of the Epiphany?

In addition to the Magi visit, the Baptism of the Lord and the Wedding at Cana are also considered part of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Why the Baptism of Jesus?

Because God announced from above that Jesus was his son and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. The whole Trinity was present!

Why the Wedding at Cana?

Jesus’ first miracle in public showed who he was.

Q: How many Magi were there?

We don’t know how many Magi there were. Scripture doesn’t say there were three. This assumption came from the fact that they were bearing three gifts.

Q: Bethlehem was about 6 miles from Jerusalem. What was unique about Jesus being born in Bethlehem?

It was the birthplace of not only Joseph, who was a descendent of David, but it was the birthplace of David, also.

The Visit of the Wise Men – Matthew 2:1-12

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.

They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Q: We always assume the Magi came at the birth of Christ because the Nativity scene shows it that way and the songs, too. But that’s just a popular cultural development based on a misreading of the text. Are there any clues in the passage above that the Magi’s visit was not at the time of Jesus’ birth?

Yes, see verse 6-7. They found the child Jesus (not infant) living in a house in Bethlehem, not in a stable.

The best estimate we have is 1-2 years old.

Q: How could Jesus be 1-2 years old and still reside in Bethlehem? Did the Holy Family stay there after Jesus was born? Did they not return to Nazareth after his birth?

They did not return to Nazareth right away because the fled to Egypt first to escape the danger of Herod. When Herod died, they returned to Israel and went to Nazareth then. Jesus would likely be around 6 years old at that point.

So the question is what happened during the time frame from Jesus' birth till the Magi came? Let’s consider:

1) It was Joseph’s home town.

2) They could stay there each time they came to Jerusalem (3 pilgrimage holy days/year: Passover; Shavuot/Pentecost; Sukkot/Booths).

3) They probably stayed there after the birth of Jesus. Joseph had family there and he had a skill that would allow him to work anywhere.

Q: What contrast do you see between the wise men from non-Jewish countries and the leaders in Jerusalem?

Herod’s chief priests made no effort to come find the Messiah him, and then there was Herod’s enraged response when the Magi did not return. The Magi were Gentiles and came a long way to welcome the arrival of the Messiah.

Q: We are not covering Herod’s killing of the other children in Bethlehem today, but do you think it was possible Herod would send his soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all the children under the age of two?

Yes, very conceivable. Herod was a psychopath. He had killed half his family already because he was paranoid about losing his throne. Just imagine when the Magi told him the new king of the Jews had been born!

Caesar Augustus, who placed Herod on the thrown and protected him, was quoted saying, “I would rather be Herod’s pig than his son.”

Q: What were the meanings of gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh?

· Gold – Kingly Messiah

· Frankincense – It is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree for making perfume and incense. Since the time of the Exodus, it was used as sacred incense for the most holy place in the Tabernacle that God had them build in the desert. Priestly Messiah

· Myrrh – Suffering Messiah. Myrrh was an ointment made from the sap of the thorny myrrh tree. It had several uses, two in

particular: One was to anoint priests and kings, which is relevant here since “Messiah” itself means “anointed one” (Christos, or Christ, in Latin). It was also used to embalm dead bodies (it has a nice scent and slowed decay). That is also quite meaningful in Jesus’ case, for he came to die for us.

Q: Although it was foretold in the prophecies that all people – Jews and Gentiles – would be welcomed together to worship God and receive his divine favor, it was truly an earth-shattering reality. Why?

It was a move beyond any human expectation. God’s blessings were formerly reserved to Israel, but now they are open to all. Such a shift was the most universal, multicultural, diverse, tolerant, inclusive act in human history. In one move, the Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and every other culture on earth, found a shared home in the covenant of Jesus Christ.

It was inconceivable to think that everyone – all tongues, tribes, and peoples – could dwell together in peace. Until this radical inclusion, people were defined by their geographical or cultural associations. In the new covenant, however, all men and women would come together and be true brothers and sisters to one another.

No longer would God’s covenant hinge upon a physical blood line. Nor upon one’s status in life, whether king or servant. The covenant was now open to anyone who hears the word of God and gives their lives to it. Salvation is now based on a decision, an act of freedom, and on a person’s way of life.

Q: Was star a supernatural or natural phenomenon?

Many have speculated as to certain astrological phenomenon that took place around this time.

It was unlikely to have been an ordinary star because it did not rise and set like ordinary starts but led them on their journey from the east.

Early Church Fathers thought it was not a “star” but an angel, since angels at times have been represented as stars in biblical history.

Q: Notice that God seems to call them through something in the natural world: a star. Was the star a natural astrological phenomenon?

Or was it a supernatural astrological phenomenon?

Acceptable theories for both exist. And, yet, some Apostolic fathers thought it was an angel, because in some OT passages certain stars were considered angels (messengers) from God.

What do all these possibilities mean? Is the star’s explanation intentionally mysterious? Certainly, the Magi knew this "star" did not conform to any patterns they had studied. Yet, it was exactly what was needed for them to answer the call.

So, perhaps the message is meant to be a multiplicity of possibilities.

One thing we know about scripture is that it's meaning meets us where we are. For we are all in different places spiritually - no two people on earth are in the same place.

Not only that, but each one of us is in a different spiritual place at different times in our lives. I can read a passage or story one year and then read it again the next year and see an entirely new meaning or relevance and say, "Whoa, how did I miss that?" Well, the messages were already there, what changed was me. Either I had evolved to another level of understanding based on what I've learned in that year, or else my personal circumstances had changed and what I needed at the time was different.

How can God's message work for all of these circumstances... not just for me but for every human being on the planet who reaches out to Him? And not only now, or 2000 years ago, but at every given point in time throughout history.

Now think about what John says at the beginning of his Gospel: Jesus is the “Word of God” made flesh. For us! Is that not what we are talking about? Only God's "word" could accomplish all that!

Q: And why would God do that for us?

Is there some other explanation besides love? If so, I’d like to hear it.

Q: We also hear that God loves us before we love him. And God seeks us first, never us seeking Him first. Have you ever wondered about that? Is this part of the same answer?

What God is saying here is that the things that lead us into a relationship with Him are never "chance" circumstances. Whether it the people we meet or the great, or tragic, experiences we have, the angels are working overtime, trying to use those circumstances to get our attention to look His way. No doubt, when we finally respond, we think it was our doing; however, He is telling us to think again. Not so.

In light of this, would we not do well to ask what “star” God used, or uses, in call each of us? Perhaps it is Scripture, but more often than not He uses our experiences or other people to create a pathway to Him, if we are looking. It could also be a magnificent-looking church, or a beautiful painting, or a song that suddenly reaches us, or a person in our lives.

Are these pathways so different than the pathway that the star was that called the Magi to Him? It was the thing that spoke to them, wasn’t it? So the Magi story serves us, even today, for they are the example that God gives us.

Trivia Bonus Question: What were the names to the three Magi?

Melchoir from Persia, Gaspar from India, and Balthazar from Arabia. However, these names can’t be traced further back than the 8th century AD.

However, there are two independent traditions that hold that the Magi’s encounter with Jesus led them eventually to become His followers, either on their own or in response to the later preaching of an apostle. These same traditions say that the Magi were martyred for their faith.

Closing Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the blessing of reading your Word together.

We ask that these words of life, truth, and hope will continue to impact us in the week ahead.

May your love and grace follow each of us as we return to our daily lives, refreshed and blessed by you,

and of course taking you with us!

O Divine Wisdom and eternal Word of the Father,

I humbly ask you, by your grace,

to purge all harmful and unprofitable words from my mind and lips,

so that my mouth may never open

but to the benefit of others, and to your praise and honor.