Epiphany

Text: Matthew 2:1-12

It’s really something; the Wise Men in this morning’s Gospel are staples of almost every nativity scene created.  They are included in nearly every telling of the Christmas story. They play a vital role in many Christmas pageants, yet they didn’t likely arrive to present their gifts to the Christ child until Jesus was close to two years old. 

Yet, the brief appearance of the Magi or Wise Men in this Gospel continues a theme of Advent and Christmas: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?”

The arrival of the Wise Men, these Gentiles and men called the Magi, reveal to the world that the child Jesus is a King for all nations, for all people.

But this news of a new king cannot be taken lightly, either, especially in a world driven by greed and power. Even the thought of a new king may bring instability to a country, region, or man's heart.

For Herod, the King, this news is seen as a direct threat to his reign and, therefore, to Jerusalem and their way of life. Herod is such a paranoid and ruthless king; he is known for killing his own family members and others who questioned him and threatened his reign.

The arrival of the Magi and their question, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” pierces the heart of Herod. Paranoia and fear of the possibility of losing power caused him to call together the assembly of chief priests and scribes. He wants answers, “where is this king to be born,” he asks. And they respond, “In Bethlehem, as the prophet wrote it, ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Whoa, this new King is He who is by no means least among rulers! He is a ruler who comes to shepherd His people. Sounds pretty good to me. But in the eyes of Herod, He is a threat. A threat King Herod would eventually attempt to eradicate through the killing of all the precious male children under the age of two in Bethlehem.

The truth is, Jesus poses no earthly threat to the reign of Herod or Pilate any more than He does to Caesar or any president of this nation. He would not seek political office, nor would He be seen running for office as politicians do in our own time.

No, Jesus is a King from a kingly line of heavenly proportions. The Genealogy at the beginning of Matthew is kingly, following King David's line. Jesus is the King who fulfills this genealogy of God’s promise; He is the King who comes to redeem.

What does He come to redeem? A world that has fallen for the façade that we, too, can be royalty and gods.

This all began in the Garden as your first parents heeded and listened to the voice of the great tempter, the voice that says, “Take, eat, consume, and you will be like God – you will be as kings of your own dominions.”

This is the temptation that led to Adam and Eve grasping for their own power, a longing for more than what was given to them, and a fear of not being in control.

There is little difference in how we go about our work and the days of our lives. Likewise, this fear continues in us. At the first instance of chaos, the argument between husband and wife, the illness that strikes a loved one - the moment of fear sets in, and we, too, reach out like Adam and Eve, grasping for control and the upper hand.

In many ways, our culture feeds this desire for independence and control. Every election cycle is a deluge of advertisements and campaigns informing you that only you can save this country if you vote the right way and cast your trust and faith in this or that candidate – only then will your desires and wishes be met.

At the heart of it, what often drives these campaigns is paranoia and fear.

And yet, you don’t have to look at the national or global political theater; instead, look at your relationships, oh wise men and women; what is the true source of any argument or temper tantrum of Herod proportions you’ve ever had, fear.

But thankfully, Jesus does not enter this world as you and I do, trying to exert power and control.

Instead, Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

This is not only the opposite of Herod's thoughts but also opposes how man continues to think today.

Hear these words again, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

How many kings and world leaders today are willing to give their lives as a ransom for you?

How many of you are willing to give your life as a ransom for another?

Instead, our fear, paranoia, and sin are what drove Jesus to the cross.

And it’s upon the cross that the question of the Magi in today’s Gospel is answered: “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?” Pilate brilliantly and unknowingly wrote and placed above the head of Jesus that first Good Friday, the pronouncement for all mankind to know, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” (John 19:19)

It’s really something: the whole life of Jesus, from His birth to His royal enthronement upon the cross, is all about His sacrificial love for you.

This is good news that cannot be taken lightly. But rather invites you to bring all your rage, fear, and paranoia to the foot of the cross, where Jesus takes into Himself and, in turn, gives you of Himself.

Here lies one of the great little sermons we must hear every year – as Jesus gives you of Himself, He reveals Himself to you both in His Word and here at this altar as you take into yourself His flesh and blood for the forgiveness of sin.

At the core, this is what the word Epiphany means: to shine upon or be made known. And every time you gather here, the light of Jesus’ Word shines brightly the way you are to go, leading you to this altar where, in the sacrament, His deep love for you is once again made known in a tangible and life-giving way.

As you continue journeying through this life, permit the Wise Men and Magi to be an icon and image for you – this life's journey is full of danger and fear. Still, the light of God’s Word will ultimately lead you not only to this altar where Jesus comes to you today but into the peace of His eternal presence. +INJ+