Matthew 1:18 – 2:23 The Magi Rescue Jesus First Sunday in Christmas
As you read though the passage for this week consider a couple of interesting facts. The Wise Men have come from the East to Jerusalem and are found asking this question, “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2) This is the very first quote in the New Testament not coming from an angel or Old Testament prophet.
This question of where, may be the question of the entire Book of Matthew. Driving home the question further is the same question asked by King Herod, for entirely different reasons, in verse 4, “…he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.” Here we have it in plain view; the king does not know the Messiah, neither does the general population of the country. The Magi have to ask and ask before they find the answer from Herod’s advisors, “In Bethlehem of Judea.”
Also interesting is that the question of the Magi, in verse 2 quoted above, offers the inscription placed on the cross above Jesus at his death, “King of the Jesus.” At Christ’s birth and his death, he is accurately named. Matthew’s gospel offers this first clue of Jesus’ identity immediately following his genealogy, emphasizing his relationship to Abraham and David, listed in chapter one. Who, seems a pretty easy question for Matthew. Where, on the other hand, is worth a whole book to consider.
The question of where, should also be our question today. We struggle to find Christ in our relationships, in our work place, and in our homes. We look for signs of the presence of Christ, but many times, like Herod we do not see that which is plainly before us. It is the Magi who awaken us to the possibility of the Messiah in our lives. It is the Magi who ask the obvious child-like question, “Where is the child; where is the King of the Jews?” And all this is happening without our knowledge. Isn’t that just like our experience of God, who we continue to find mysterious, as we move just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18
Sermon Title: “Without Our Knowledge”
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