Matthew 2:1-12
In this season, we have been exploring the question of “who Jesus is.” On this great Feast of the Epiphany, the identity of Jesus is – once again - front and center. After all, the word epiphany itself means "revelation," and what is being revealed in this case is Jesus Christ.
Revelation to the Nations
In the Gospel account of Epiphany from Matthew 2, the wide-ranging nature of the revelation of Jesus is fully on display. Matthew begins by situating Jesus’ birth in its sociopolitical context: Herod the Great is king. Jesus is born in Bethlehem of Judea. Magi come from the East, from an entirely different world. Even beyond this in the most recognizable symbol of Epiphany, a “star” has risen that is both the physical phenomenon and a metaphor for Jesus himself. That star announces him even in the heavens. The first reading from Isaiah shares this vision of revelation being made known throughout the world and among the nations: light shining in the darkness. On this Epiphany, preachers might usefully point to God's action in making this revelation known. This is Good News. Christ is revealed: to me, to you, to the ends of the earth, and even in the skies above. So, how might God be making Christ known today?
Fulfilling the Scriptures
The Magi in Matthew 2 are able to perceive that the star announces the birth of a new ruler, in this case, Jesus: the one who is to be king. For some reason or another, they are familiar with the scriptures, explaining their familiarity to Herod as they quote the prophet Micah. Weaving together pieces of all the lectionary readings, preachers might highlight this theme within the Epiphany texts: Jesus is fulfilling the scriptures. The rising of Christ's star can be compared to the light of God's people that Isaiah announces has come. The words of the Psalm that say that kings will bow down before the son of the king make a connection to the homage of the Magi. Likewise, Ephesians reminds us that Christ has been made known to all: the Gentiles, the nations of the earth, and the whole creation.
King of God’s People
There are many sermons in Epiphany’s readings. Preachers may simply wish to focus on what we learn here about who Jesus is, rather than that Jesus' identity is made known. In exploring this part of the Epiphany story, preachers can focus on the kingly imagery present throughout. The reason that the Magi follow the star is because it heralds the birth of a king. The scriptures they quote from Micah point to a king born for the people of God. This theme is woven throughout the supplementary lectionary readings as well. It’s a well-known saying among Christians that “Jesus is our Lord and Savior.” On this Epiphany, preachers may wish to ask what it means that Jesus is our Lord, the one to whom we owe allegiance, the one whom we follow with our whole lives.
On this Epiphany, we celebrate the revelation of Jesus Christ. Christ is made known to the very ends of the earth. Christ is the fulfillment of the promises made throughout the scriptures, and Jesus Christ is the King of God’s people now and forever.
PASTOR DOMINIC GUIDO is a graduate of Indiana University and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He is passionate about worship and preaching, and has served congregations in Wisconsin and Kentucky. He currently serves as the president of the annual Lutheran Association of Larger Churches conference. In his free time, Pastor Guido enjoys tabletop gaming; spending time in nature with his family and loyal hound, Zuko; as well as following open-wheel auto racing, Australian Rules football, and sumo wrestling.
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