Epiphany 2023

Introduction

What is in the text.

[1] Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, [2] saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

What is the origin. Where did they come from, and why does it matter.

Prophecy of all nations bringing their goods. Isaiah 52:9–10[9] Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. [10] The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (ESV)

They seek to Worship a king. In getting it wrong they get it right.

[3] When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; [4] and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Herod the king was a two things…a despot and an Edomite

It says that he worried and all of Jerusalem with him. (Herod): Competing King, (People)Turmoil of Regime change

He does not know what the king of Israel should know Messianic evens

[5] They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: [6] “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

The prophecy of Micha

1. The character of the sovereign Lord and the sins of his people demand judgment (1:2–5; 2:3; 6:1–2, 9–11). 2. A Shepherd-King gathers and delivers a remnant (2:12–13; 4:6–8; 7:14, 18). 3. Covenant faithfulness consists not merely in ritual but in the proper expression of the primary forms of love: justice, mercy, and faithfulness 4. The Lord is the focus of worship. The nations will no longer “flow” to false gods (cf. Jer. 51:44) but to Zion to learn of the true Lord and to live in peace 5. The liberating light of grace flowing from the Lord’s steadfast love (Mic. 7:18–20) overcomes the ominous sentence due to sin (7:8–9). Forgiveness is grounded in God’s faithfulness to his promises (7:20). 6. God’s saving acts in the past (6:4–5; 7:14–15) are interpretative analogies for his saving acts in the future (7:19–20).

[7] Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. [8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

Herods secret Agenda

[9] After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. [10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

The Star: Its movement and meaning

[11] And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. [12] And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (ESV)

Worship though Giving of Treasure

The meaning of the treasure

What about for us!

The Gospel for all the Nations

Evangelism/Ethnically Diverse

The Gospel upends the things it touches. So it is opposed.

Christ fulfilling the Covenantal Promises

Jesus the light of the Nations/ Revelation of God.

Bring our treasure to the feet of the king