Revelation of Glory: The Epiphany Unveiled

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Big Idea: Christ's glory is revealed to the world, inviting us to reflect His light and live as beacons of hope and salvation in a darkened world. Teaching: The teaching emphasizes the universal call of the Gospel and challenges believers to embrace their role as light-bearers in society. Just as the Magi were led by a star to find Jesus, so are we to be guided by God's revelations to find purpose and to lead others to Christ. Summary: Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus to the world, particularly through the visit of the Magi, highlighting the manifestation of His divine glory. This day offers a moment to reflect on the significance of God's revelation that Christ is not just a Jewish Messiah but the Savior for all humanity, breaking the limitations of ethnicity, status, and social structures.

Notes
Transcript
SLIDE: Scripture
Isaiah 60:1 NLT
1 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.
SLIDE: Title

Introduction

We are in the Christian season know as Epiphany, which this year starts on Sunday, January 5th and continues through Sunday, February 23rd. But what is Epiphany? Epiphany is a Christian holiday that commemorates the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. It is celebrated on January 6, 12 days after Christmas Day. The word “Epiphany” originates from the Greek eh-pee-fan'-i-ah [ ἐπιφάνεια ], meaning “manifestation” or “appearance”. Many countries refer to it as “Three Kings Day”. On the 12th day after Christmas, Western Christianity recognizes Christ’s manifestation to the Gentiles. Today, in the liturgical calendar is actually the second Sunday after Epiphany.
So, Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus to the world, particularly through the visit of the Magi, highlighting the manifestation of His divine glory. This offers a moment to reflect on the significance of God's revelation that Christ is not just a Jewish Messiah but the Savior for all humanity, breaking the limitations of ethnicity, status, and social structures.
The universal call of the Gospel and challenges us to embrace our role as light-bearers to the world. Just as the Magi were led by a star to find Jesus, so are we to be guided by God's revelations to find purpose and to lead others to Christ.
In the context of Scripture, the theme of Epiphany ties into the anticipation of Christ’s coming, as prophesied throughout the Old Testament. The visit of the Magi illustrates the divine assurance that Christ’s glory is intended for all peoples, and His incarnation as God in flesh highlights how God’s presence desires to dwell among us and lead us into His light.
Christ's glory is revealed to the world, inviting us to reflect His light and live as beacons of hope and salvation in a darkened world.

Main Teaching

1. Pursuit of Divine Light

Matthew 2:1–2 NLT
1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
Fireflies
Reflecting on my childhood, I remember chasing fireflies on warm summer nights. Each captured flicker brought joy and wonder, but those moments also taught me something deeper. The fireflies' light seemed fleeting, but it encouraged us to keep searching and pursuing. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we often chase after the Divine Light, and while it may feel elusive at times, that pursuit is what transforms us. It reminds us that even our attempts to seek Him can lead us to deeper understanding and closeness with God, filling our hearts with His radiant love.
Just as the Magi traveled a great distance to seek Jesus (King of the Jews: As believers we seek Jesus regardless of our cultural or religious background. God's glory shows no favoritism and calls all to witness His light. We see here in Matthew 2 the courage and dedication the Magi displayed in following the star. They should be a model for us to follow Christ's light with devotion, irrespective of our circumstances.

2. Prophecy and Response

Matthew 2:3–6 NLT
3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’ ”
Talent Show
I once attended a talent show at a local community center where kids showcased their unique skills. One shy girl took the stage and sang a heartfelt song that moved the audience to tears. After her performance, she expressed her journey of overcoming fear and finding courage through faith. Witnessing her transformation reminded me of how God works in the quiet moments of our lives, often using our vulnerabilities to touch others in profound ways.
Here in Matthew we see King Herod's contrasting reaction to the Magi reveals the choice we face in responding to God's revelation. I want to stress the importance of discerning God's work in our midst. This should encourage us to examine our own openness to the Messiah's presence and challenge us to respond with openness and faith, rather than fear or opposition, to Christ as King.

3. Path of Joyful Journey

Matthew 2:7–10 NLT
7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” 9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
First Cake
While still in elementary school: I decided to bake a cake for the first time, I was excited but also nervous. I followed the recipe step by step, and although I made a mess of the kitchen and spilled flour everywhere, each misstep taught me something valuable. After a few hours of mixing, baking, and cleaning, I finally had a cake! Although it wasn’t much to look at (it was lopsided and rather ugly), the joy on my family's faces when they tasted it was worth every moment of chaos. Like baking, our journey through life requires guidance, joy in the process, and the perseverance to keep trying despite the mess we might make.
The reality is that the Magi's journey involved guidance from God, joy, and devoted perseverance. God uses both divine and natural signs to guide us on our spiritual journeys, thus leading us to encounters with His glory. The joy of the Magi upon seeing the star again invites us to rediscover joy in our faith walk, illuminating the path for others amidst darkness.

4. Presentation of Worship

Matthew 2:11–12 NLT
11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
First Call to Worship
When I first encountered a call to worship, I felt as if God was speaking directly to me. It was more than just a routine; it was an awakening. Just like a child running to their parent, we are invited to approach God with open hearts. The call is a reminder that worship isn't merely an obligation, but a heartfelt embrace of God's love. Each time I hear that call, it stirs a deep longing within me to connect and express my gratitude.
The Magi's act of worship and their offering of gifts is a mirror to our own call to worship Jesus wholeheartedly. Like the Magi, we are invited to lay down treasures of our time, our talents, and our resources at Jesus' feet. Worship transforms us and guides our lives in new directions, as we reflect the light of Christ in a world in need.

Conclusion

Beach: Sun of God
When I was Christian Education major and Senior Instructor at Taylor University: One of our classes went on a personal growth trip to Florida: I remember a day spent at the beach with my fellow students. The sun was blazing, and everyone was basking in its warmth. Suddenly, one guy, wearing a funny hat with a huge feather, strutted around, claiming to be the sun god! We all laughed, but it made me reflect on how, as believers, we can sometimes be the ones who radiate joy and goodness, bringing light to our surroundings. Are we being those silly, shining ‘sun gods’ in people’s lives?
We Christians need to think about how we recognize and respond to God's glory in our lives and to ask ourselves how we can reflect that glory to others. We need to challenge ourselves to be agents of God's light, as we embrace our identity in Christ and while proclaiming His glory through living out our faith boldly in everyday life. As believers we are to foster hope and transformation in a world that often feels dark.
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