For thousands of years, the stars in our universe have fascinated humankind. They symbolize in many ways the unknown. As we look at them, we cannot help but wonder: what is out there beyond our world? Today scientists continue to explore the stars in our universe by the use of telescopes; telescopes here on earth, ones that are in orbit around the earth, and ones that are traveling through outer space.
Before the exploration of the universe began, humankind has used the stars for navigation, using the positioning of the stars for guidance on journeys. The great explorers throughout history have used the stars to lead them across the landmass and across the vast oceans. Even today we are told that if you know the constellations in the sky you will be able to avoid getting lost.
This morning we hear the story about the Magi in the Gospel of Matthew. They, too, followed a star, a star that led them to the city of Jerusalem searching for the “one who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). It is a familiar story, one that we hear every year as we celebrate Epiphany Sunday.
Epiphany means, “to bring forth.” It is the day that we celebrate our Lord’s coming as we recognize that he came for all people in the world. The good news of Christ is for everyone. We see this in the Christmas Story as the shepherds in the fields represent the Israelites. The Magi represent the Gentiles (the non-Jews). We see both groups as representing both the local people (shepherds) and also global people (the Magi). We can even expand this further by saying both groups also represent the poor and the rich.
We also see in this story how God often draws us with hints and signs. The Magi followed a star, coming from the east in search of the Christ-child. When we reflect on our lives and our relationship with God we also can see how God sends these hints and signs. It is not very often that God just strikes us upside the head. The path set before us is more nuanced, a path that often appears like a puzzle; something we must process and discover how the pieces best fit together.
We see in this story how meeting Christ leaves us altered, leaves us a different people. The Magi were changed in the sense that they went home in a different direction fearing what might happen if they told Herod where the baby Jesus was. They realized what they had seen after encountering the Christ-child.
Jesus also changes us after we encounter him. The change is sometimes hard for us to make because we are usually most comfortable with the person we have become, one molded by the world and our environment. But following Jesus calls us to be different, just as he was different during his time on earth.
One intriguing aspect of this story comes in verse 3: “When King Herod heard this [the news from the Magi on why they had journeyed to Jerusalem] he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” Some translations interpret “disturbed” as “frightened.” Why would Herod be disturbed and the entire city with him? Weren’t the people of Israel anticipating the coming of the Messiah?
When we look at this closely we can see why Herod would have a problem with this news (the birth of the Messiah). After all, the Roman occupiers appointed him to his position. When news of the birth of the Messiah reached him he knew that the Messiah was anointed by God to become leader of the Jews, much like God anointed David to be king so long ago.
But why should the city be disturbed or frightened? The people of Jerusalem knew the type of person that Herod was. To put it bluntly, he was not a nice guy. In fact, he was downright ruthless even killing one of his sons when the son became too popular with the people. We see how ruthless he was in the next section of chapter two when he sends soldiers into Bethlehem and the surrounding areas with orders to kill all boys two years old and younger. Now you can see why Jerusalem was also disturbed. There is an old saying, “When daddy (or mommy) is not happy, nobody’s happy.” That saying applies here, too.
The Magi offer all of us a good outline (so to speak) in how our relationship with Christ should be: to seek, to worship, and to give. The first step is that we must consciously seek Jesus out no matter how hard that might be. The Magi traveled a great distance and were not even sure what they might find. Would they find the “king of the Jews?” Or were they wrong in their interpretation of what was to happen? When we faithfully seek out Jesus, Jesus will always lead us to him.
Secondly, when the Magi found the child they immediately bowed down and worshipped him. We too must come and worship Christ for Christ came into this world not to condemn it but to redeem it and that includes every one of us. Jesus truly loves each and every one of us and every man, woman, and child in the world. It is up to us to share this good news with everyone we meet.
Lastly, we must give of ourselves in this relationship with Jesus. The Magi came bearing gifts for the Christ-child. So we must ask ourselves, “What gifts do we as believers bring to Christ today?” And also, “What gift can we give to others in the name of Christ?”
