A Surprising Group of Messengers

Why the Magi?

The gospel of Matthew highlights interesting things to place Jesus within the story of Israel. Here, there are significant parallels between the magi visiting Jesus and the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon. If you want more, read that story and see what you notice in comparison to Matthew 2:1-12.

But also consider the story of the magi as it stands. Beyond nativity scenes and Christmas nostalgia, it really is remarkable. Why are these foreign visitors, so far outside of Israel both geographically and culturally, the ones that announce the newborn king’s existence to Herod? And why does Herod believe them? How exactly, in the first place, did seeing a star in the sky tell them about the detail that the Jews themselves would receive a newborn king? How does one “follow a star” to a particular place?

Maybe these kinds of questions ruin the story. But the notion here that the newborn king would be honored by foreigners seems to be at the heart of Matthew’s point, especially as we look at the totality of Matthew’s gospel and what he highlights.

The story of Jesus is for all.
The story of Jesus will surprise us.
The story of Jesus will not go like we might predict or prefer.
People in power will not appreciate Jesus’ presence.

Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”

When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote:

You, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
        by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah,
            because from you will come one who governs,
            who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.

Prayer

God,

It is Sunday. Your Church is gathering everywhere to worship you. We’ll bring offerings of songs and money. We’ll pray to you both in gratitude and in grief. We’ll do some good theology. We’ll do some bad theology. We’ll mix things in our worship that shouldn’t be there. We’ll fellowship. We’ll both welcome and exclude. We’ll mix up our worship with feelings of awe at the grandeur of our buildings, music, or leaders.

So in the end, I pray your people will see you and hear from you nonetheless. That in our efforts, both well-placed and misplaced, your Word will come through anyway. That people who are hurting will receive healing and people who are lost will find your Way. Dole out your grace. Show your face. Help us to know Jesus.

If I may, I pray specifically for that church in Hingham, MA called North Street Community. As they begin a journey without a lead pastor, lead them indeed. I love these people, God. And I know you do, too. I rest in that today.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.