The Gospel Begins at the Edges
Foreign seekers and fragile kings.
The gospel of Matthew goes to great lengths to place Jesus squarely within Israel’s story. 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. When we slow down, the story is full of wonder and mystery. Why are these foreign visitors—so far outside of Israel both geographically and culturally—the ones who announce the newborn king’s arrival to Herod? And why does Herod take them seriously? How exactly did a star tell them that a Jewish king had been born? And how does one even 'follow a star' to a particular house?
Maybe those kinds of questions risk distracting from the beauty of the story. But in truth, the idea that this newborn king would be honored first by foreigners seems central to Matthew’s point—especially when we consider the whole arc of his gospel.
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.
And those in power rarely welcome his presence.
Matthew 2:1-7
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.
Psalm 72:10–11, 17
Let the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute; let the kings of Sheba and Seba present gifts. Let all the kings bow down before him; let all the nations serve him.
Let the king’s name last forever. Let his name endure as long as the sun. Let all the nations be blessed through him and call him happy.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for this new day. The psalms say that you made it. I believe it. Thanks for the gift. Help me to receive it well and use it well. Not that I need to see each day as something to be consumed. But help me to live within it. That is…
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen