Isaiah 60:1–6
Ephesians 3:1–12
St. Matthew 2:1–12
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When the apostles went and preached the Gospel to all nations, they followed a pattern: to the Jews first, then also to the Gentiles. That pattern was already set with Jesus’ birth. The good news of the Savior’s birth was proclaimed to the Shepherds, first, then also to the Magi. The shepherds would’ve been Jews, Israelites, children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the Magi were definitely Gentiles, non-Jews. Tradition has the three come from Africa, Asia, and Europe, representing all the heathen nations. More likely they came from Persia, Babylon, or Arabia. But either way, they represent the new thing that happens with the coming of Christ: salvation is no longer found only among the Jewish people. As St. Paul preaches the Gospel, he declares: This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. The birth of Christ shines light out into all the dark world. It is the epiphany of the Lord’s salvation for all people.
But notice, that even though the light of Christ is shining for all, not all receive His epiphany. Jesus is made manifest neither to the learned nor to the outwardly just. This is deliberate, because no one is saved by their knowledge or pious life or great achievements. So to make that point, His birth is told to ignorant shepherds, country-folk who never got more than a third grade education. And it’s told to sinful magi, who practice astrology and witchcraft. Already at His birth, Jesus is bringing together both Jew and Gentile. And also bringing the foolish to His wisdom, and bringing the sinners to His righteousness.
None of the worldly great ones can take pride in themselves when it comes to their relationship with Christ. See how the shepherds and magi are so different from the learned and outwardly righteous Jews, or the worldly powerful King Herod. All worldly expectations are turned upside-down with Christmas and Epiphany. The holy Jews and mighty Herod are ruling in the royal city, with a palace and soldiers, and a golden temple, while the Savior is born in humble Bethlehem. The true King has for His courtiers smelly shepherds and creepy soothsayers.
But in God’s great plan, before they make it to Bethlehem, the Magi go first to Jerusalem, where they make Christ known, and they show God’s judgment on those who reject Him. Look at how these Gentile, formerly-pagan Magi put the Jews to shame! They only had a star to follow, but they pack up and go seeking the Christ. On the other hand, the Jews have been hearing and reading the prophecies about Christ from their childhood, and even though He was of their blood, born in their midst, they did not receive Him. Isn’t it scandalous how they answer the questions about where the Savior would be born, but then did not seek Him! They knew where He was but did not go worship Him.
Instead, news about the Savior’s birth makes the Jews afraid! King Herod is terrified by the birth of a little baby. And the rest of Jerusalem is terrified because they fear what this petty king will do to keep hold of his earthly power. Great power is always subject to great fear. Power is hard to hold onto, and tyrants will always be looking over their shoulder for the next bigger, stronger guy coming to take their power away. The top branches of a tall tree are moved by the slightest breeze, but the little trees down in the valley are safe from even violent storms. So also men in high places are sensitive to every rumor, every opinion poll, every bit of unrest, and the people who count on their powerful rulers will also tremble when the big guys are nervous.
But the lowly are not disturbed. They do not worry about the changes and chances of governments and economies. Like little children, safe in their father’s lap, they know he will not let them be harmed. So, see who actually goes to worship Christ. Lowly people, outsiders, the downtrodden: people who are not proud of themselves; people who do not try to control their lives and have things their own way; people who are not ashamed to confess their sins, to leave their sins, and let Christ be their good and only Master. These people are like the simple shepherds, and like the Magi.
So, like all true Christians who worship Christ, the Magi listen to the Bible. They heard the Word from the prophet Micah, who foretold where the King would be born. They were not ashamed to listen to God’s Word and follow it, and go to lowly Bethlehem. Don’t you see how the indifference, the apathy of the Jews is reproved by the zeal of the Magi? The unbelief of the people who should know better is put to shame by the love of those who are desperate for a Savior.
The Magi truly believed in the Savior: God in the flesh, for all people. They had to know that’s who this Child is. What could a Jewish king do for them unless they believed that He was going to bless all nations? They didn’t go to worship Him to get any worldly power or perks. A little baby is certainly not going to be flattered by their rich gifts. They weren’t going to benefit from the great splendor of a king’s court, nor from the power of a great army, nor from the fame of this ruler. They didn’t get any of that in Bethlehem. But they listened to God and went and worshiped Him anyway.
If God had chosen Rome for His Son’s birth, people would think that the salvation of the world was accomplished by great people. If He was the son of the Emperor, born in a king’s palace, people would think His power was due to military might. Instead, God chose only what was poor and humble so that all would know that salvation was a work of God alone. He chose a poor little woman for His mother, a poor country, a poor home. He was just a tiny baby, who had a trough for His cradle.
But something great was hidden in this Child. The Magi knew it. They were not scandalized or offended. They did not turn away from His poverty and weakness. Instead, they rejoiced with great joy! There can be no doubt, they sought a heavenly King. If they had sought an earthly king they would have remained with Him, to gain from Him worldly riches or to protect Him from worldly attacks. But instead, after adoring Him, they go back home! And you can be sure they continued to trust and worship Him there.
The Magi are the first of the Gentiles to learn this, not from their earthly knowledge but from divine revelation. They announce His birth, yet they also ask more about Him. They believe, yet they also seek to learn. They are like all Christians who walk by faith and still desire to see. They are not satisfied with the little they have, but they seek for more truth from their God. The angels of heaven announced to the shepherds. The star of heaven announced to the Magi. In both cases, it is the voice of heaven revealing, shining God’s grace and truth. In both cases, the Word of God directs people to the Savior. We do not come to know God through our efforts, prayers, thoughts, family, power, or wealth. We only know God through Himself, through His very own Words.
So let us not remain with the proud, the strong, stuck in their city, stuck in themselves, satisfied with the life they have and not wanting the greater life God gives. Let us press on in faith like the Magi. Let us come here to His altar, having heard His Word, and let us adore our God in the flesh. By meeting and believing in that holy Child, the Magi got a new country: the kingdom of God. So also our true country is Paradise. We have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus, so we cannot go home by the same way we left it. We left the first paradise on the path of pride and disobedience, following visible wealth and power, eating forbidden food, wanting things our way. So, like the Magi, we must return another way—go to our true home by another route: the way of tears, sorrow over our sin; the path of obedience to God’s Word, with contempt for this world and all our plans for how we think life should be; and with love for what God says and gives: forgiveness, new life, new power to resist sin, joy, and peace—for all people—for all who receive the light of His Gospel.
In the Holy + Name of Jesus. Amen.
Preached at Trinity, Clinton, IA & Immanuel, Charlotte, IA
