It is true, we have only just begun our journey. This is a story that only the gospel writer Matthew tells. We will take a closer look at those verses in a moment. Two things we should consider as we read these verses from Matthew are that the Magi are from the east, they are Gentiles, they do not know or understand the Jewish tradition and do not know of the scriptural prophecies concerning the location of the Messiah’s birth. God’s love reaches beyond traditional boundaries and can and does change the world and its communities, This story is definitely about an Epiphany and fits the understanding we have of the word Epiphany…So what does the word mean? 

(Oxford Dictionary) 

1. the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12).a manifestation of a divine or supernatural being.

Understanding the word leads us to also include two other events in the Bible concerning Jesus. Those being the baptism of Jesus and his first miracle at Cana. Now about those scriptures verses from Matthew 2:1-12. I like to go beyond the words as written because it helps me understand the people and the situation. What does a closer look reveal? We learn that the name Bethlehem means the House of Bread because it stood on such fertile ground. Jacob buried Rachel there and erected a pillar beside her grave as a memorial to her. Ruth had married Boaz there and even in the vastness of the land she could see her native land of Moab, across the Jordan valley. But of real import was the fact that this was the city of David and it was from the line of David that God would send the one who was to deliver His people. To sum up this part of the story Bethlehem, the city of David is where the Jews expected God’s Anointed One to come into the world. There is much more to the story but let’s move on to that place where Jesus was born. We only know what has been written but most accounts and theologians believed it to be in a cave in Bethlehem. The cave was used to shelter animals from weather and keep them safe from predators.

Now we move to those Magi from the East who had followed that star so that they might pay Homage to the one who’s born…The King of The Jews. It is said they served the King of Persia and just as the Levites were in Israel…They became men of holiness and wisdom. They are best considered to be good and holy men, who sought for truth. Now something for you to consider…William Barclay wrote… “There is not the slightest need to think that the story of the coming of the Magi to the cradle of Christ is only a lovely legend. It is exactly the kind of thing that could easily have happened in that ancient world.”

Well, there is one in every story and ours comes in the form of a King…King Herod to be exact. Not only was all Jerusalem disturbed but King Herod was also impacted by this information. He summoned all the chief priests and scribes of the people, and asked them where the Anointed One of God was to be born. Their reply…Bethlehem in Judaea. Herod then summoned the wise men and after questioning them, he instructed them to go and find that child, report back to him “so I might also go and worship him.” Some things about this man that are beyond the words that the written scripture tells us. Herod was half-Jew there was Edomite blood in him.He was often referred to as Herod the Great because he had controlled the situations of disorder that sometimes erupted. He was a great builder, after all he had built the Temple in Jerusalem. He was generous to the people going as far as to cancel taxes to make things easier for them in hard times. He even brought food for them during the famine of 25 BC. He was popular among the people.

But the fact remains that he had one flaw that worked well in this situation. He had always been suspicious, as he grew older he became even more suspicious. He was very protective of his power and anyone that was a threat to it was promptly eliminated. It is also known that he murdered members of his own family, he was without doubt a bitter and suspicious man and his intent was that as soon as he knew where this child lived he would have him killed. The people knew his intent and grew worried each day that went by. Herod’s reaction was to be expected. It was one of hatred and hostility.  This small child was going to interfere with his life, his place, his power and his influence, and therefore his first instinct was to destroy him. There were other people who wished to destroy Jesus Christ, because he interfered with their lives… they feared they would no longer be able to do what they liked. The reaction of the chief priests and scribes was one of complete indifference. Jesus meant nothing to them. Then of course there were the Wise Men. They came to adore, worship and to bring gifts, the very best they could give. 

The star isn’t just a nice touch and there are many stories told about it and what happen to it latter. Were they really wise men, or are they just a legend. Consider this…don’t sweat the details…God gets things done… We know they found Joseph, Mary and the Christ Child. We know the wise men did not go back to Herod. Jesus came into this world to die for us. Because of Jesus and the cross we who believe have life everlasting.

Let The Journey Begin 

Life is Good

jk