Epiphany of our Lord
Text: Matthew 2:1-12
Pastor Jean M. Hansen
“We three Kings of Orient are…bearing gifts we traverse a far…field and fountain, moor and mountain…following yonder star….” Those are the lyrics of an old hymn; it’s one we do not sing because it is not in our hymnal. There are a number of inaccuracies in it … the travelers were not kings, were not from the orient and no where in the Bible does it say that there were three of them. But they were on a mission, and that perhaps is the most important point.
Last Sunday we focused on King Herod’s role in this story, so instead of doing that again today, let’s consider the Magi … also known as Wisemen, or inaccurately, Kings. FYI, the term Magi comes from the Greek magoi and refers to an ancient Median priestly caste in Persia known for astronomy, astrology, and interpreting dreams, essentially wise men or priests from the East. They were, to state it simply, Gentile foreigners.
It’s interesting that it’s Matthew who mentions them, since his is the most Jewish of the gospels. He wrote for a Jewish audience and included more Old Testament quotes than any other Gospel writer. These Wisemen, or Magi, came from east of Jerusalem, which would have been Persia (Iran), Babylon (Iraq) and Arabia (Saudi Arabia). Many scholars believe they were a part of the royal court of Persia where they served as purveyors of wisdom and readers of the night sky, and where they discovered a new, bright star announcing, they believed, the birth of a king.
But that does not explain, really, why they made the trip. Were they commanded to do so, as emissaries of the Persian King, to shore up international relationships? Or was there more to it? Their actions seem beyond what one might expect from visitors on a purely political assignment. For example, it’s interesting to note that the word “homage” is used three times in these 12 verses of Matthew’s gospel. To pay homage is not just to worship, but to get down on one’s knees and acknowledge the greatness (or holiness) of the other. And they bring extravagant gifts that are worthy of royalty. They made a trek of more than 1000 miles over plains, deserts and hills. Why?
Author Barbara Brown Taylor writes that “something beyond them was calling them, and it was a tug they had been waiting for all their lives. The star was calling them out and away from everything they knew how to manage and survive, out from under the reputations they had built for themselves, the high expectations, the disappointing returns.” (1) They were willing to make a journey into the unknown.
The Rev. Kathryn Matthews describes it in this way, “Something inside them must have been restless, or upset, or hungry for understanding despite the reputation of ‘the East’ as the place of wisdom and learning, there was something they still needed to find.” (2) Were they looking for One worthy of their worship?
Perhaps we should more often think of ourselves as seekers on a journey, stepping out in faith, following the light to find that which is holy. For some that may be a spiritual search, which could be described as “a tug they had been waiting for all their lives”, to connect with that which is beyond themselves. For others, this “calling out” is more about the day-to-day, week-to-week realities of change.
In that case, heading a new direction is never easy, partly because that which is familiar is predictable and comfortable and requires less of us. Sticking with what we know is less complicated and stressful, which is why change happens slowly and often only when it cannot be avoided.
In various ways individually, and as a faith community, we will be taking new paths in 2026. Perhaps it will seem less onerous if we think of ourselves as seekers on a journey, and remember that we will encounter Jesus not just at the end, but be led by his light all along the way.
Author Frederick Buechner captures this beautifully when he writes, “To follow the star is to step beyond the safe boundaries of habit and self-protection. It is to follow something... that may lead us where we do not expect and where, in some way, we do not want to go.”
There is no doubt that the Magi were shaped and changed by their journey, and we will be too. Remember, the Magi left home not knowing where they would end up, or how far they would travel or how long it would take. They did not know what might happen along the way. There were obstacles, particularly in the form of King Herod, but they watched for and listened to God’s leading, experienced joy that overwhelmed them and went home by another way, so that neither their story, not Jesus’, ended prematurely.
And, I never thought of this before but read it this week; the Magi had each other. When one became homesick, or kicked the camel in frustration, or complained about the pace or became overwhelmed by anxiety, they supported and encouraged one another. Quoting Pastors Stephanie and Jim Bennett, “They operated a fellowship of star seekers …. There is wisdom and guidance in community for us all. The way of following Christ that is laid out for us all through the New Testament resides in the power of the community bearing the light of Christ. It is when we come together as two or three or more that the Lord promises to be in the midst of us.” (3)
You are a community of star seekers, who like the Magi do not know what will happen during this year’s journey, or where you will end up. But you will find support and power and vision in walking this journey of transition together. When someone feels overwhelmed or frustrated or anxious, or like “kicking a camel”, you will be there for each other with a word, or deeds, of comfort or encouragement or even a loving “get a grip.” That’s what star seekers do for each other. As this new year begins for Faith Lutheran Church, for me, for all of you, may our eyes be fixed on the light of Jesus as we step out in faith. AMEN
(1) Sermon for Epiphany: Matthew 2:1-12, January 5, 2020, www.universitymennonite.org
(2) “Another Way” by the Rev. Kathy Donley, Matthew 2:1-12, January 6, 2019, Emmanuel Baptist Church, www.emmanuelalbany.net
(3) “The Journey of the Magi”, Jan. 5, 2020, by Pastor Stephanie and Jim Bennett, Christ Lutheran Church, Webster Grove, Mo.