6th January 2024
Epiphany – the great revelation
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
When we read Matthew’s account of the events that took place after the birth of Jesus we can’t help but be struck by the sharply contrasting reactions of certain individuals. We have the wonder and worship of the Magi, contrasted with the tension and terror of Herod, and the ‘disturbance’ of the Jews (v.3).
The Magi, astrologers from Persia, who studied the heavens, had noticed a new star rising. They believed this event heralded the birth of a Saviour and wanted to come to pay homage to the new king of the Jews. The gentile Magi recognised Jesus’s divinity and kingship, while the Jews did not, despite knowing the prophecies written about the Messiah in the Old Testament. The Magi knelt before Jesus, overwhelmed with joy. They brought him gifts of immense value, precious items, as well as giving of their time, worship, and adoration.
‘…the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him…’ (vv. 9-11)
Herod, however, was filled with anxiety and paranoia. He lied, telling the Magi he wanted to worship this new king too; instead he was intent on killing him. His depravity led to unspeakable horrors: the mass killing of every male child of two years and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity (v.16).
The Bible often talks about the choices we have between good and evil, light and dark, or life and death. We are urged to choose life, to choose blessings so that, ‘…you and your children may live…’ (Deuteronomy 30:19). God in his overflowing love for all humanity chose to reveal who Jesus was to the Magi, who were gentiles: Jesus the Christ is Saviour to all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. He is our Saviour, but what will we choose? We can choose to ignore him or actively work against him. Or, as the famous carol says to ‘Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.’
Prayer
Wonderful, heavenly Father, we come before you with joyful hearts to worship and adore you. Thank you for revealing who Jesus Christ is – your Son and our Saviour. Let us choose to follow Him wherever he leads us, and bless us with hearts that long to share this good news with others. In his name we pray, Amen.
Study by Jackie Mill
About the writer:
Jackie Mill is a minister in Grace Communion International and Co-Regional Pastor for Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Central Glasgow
Garnethill Room
Conference Suite
St Andrews West
260 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4JP
Meeting time:
Sunday 11:15 am
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church