Jesus, Herod and the Band of Scholars

For 1/6/2013


Today's Lectionary Gospel lesson is Matthew 2:1-12 which is a very familiar scripture for Christians.  First let's take a look at some of the actors in the story:

Epiphany Observance. . Epiphany is one of the oldest holy days in Christianity along with Christmas and Easter. Originating in the Eastern Orthodox church is observed in the Protestant church from January 6th through Ash Wednesday. January 6th is twelve days from Christmas.  There are lots of resources for further information on Epiphany but one non-denominational is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday)

Epiphany from the Greek epifaneia meaning an appearing, disclosure, manifestation, unveiling brightness. Often used of the glorious manifestation of the gods, and esp. of their coming to help; in the NT the coming of Christ.

Magi (band of scholars) – Many interpretations of just who they were. Some say astrologers, wise men, priests, philosophers or magicians. On any account it was not unusual for foreign regimes to send emissaries to give gifts to new kings or rulers.

Herad the Great – Voted “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate he ruled Judea for over 30 years. Two things that stand out about him are his ruthless killings of those he considered rivals including his wife and several sons and the major building projects he undertook including the rebuilding of the Jewish temple.

Star – Because Jesus’ birth would have preceded Herod’s death in 4 BCE many have settled on 7 BCE when there was a confluence of Jupiter and Saturn. There were apparently other confluences and the appearance of comets during the years shortly before Herod’s death.

Matthew tells us:

2: 1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.” 3-4 When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5-6 They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly: It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land, no longer bringing up the rear. From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”  The Message Version

• What was Herod’s reaction to the appearance of the wise men? Who did they tell him they were looking for? The scripture uses the word terrified for Herod and the people’s reaction. What other feelings might Herod have had? Why were the people frightened?

• If the scholars were coming to honor the birth of a king how must they have felt when people had no idea what they were talking about and they found a reaction of fright to what they must have felt was good news? Wouldn’t the people have been excited to hear about the birth of the Messiah?

• The chief priests and scribes gave Herod the information about the birthplace of the Messiah but seem to have no further involvement in the events. Is this surprising? What might you have done if you were alive in those times? What would it have taken to cause a person to take the risks associated with joining the wise men in their search?

• What would your reaction be if you knew Jesus was coming to your house tomorrow? What range of emotions might you have?

7-8 Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.” 9-10 Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time! 11 They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh. 12 In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.  The Message Version

What reasons might Herod have had for secretly calling for the wise men? Do you think that they bought his story?

How do you visualize the description of the star going and stopping over Jesus’ birthplace happening? What did the wise men find at their destination? Did it fit the perceptions they might have had as they began their journey?

In spite of the very humble circumstances of Jesus birth the wise men worshipped him. What must have happened to cause them to choose to do this?

What does Matthew want us to understand about Jesus from this story? Who recognizes and worship Jesus and who does not? What does the appearance of the magi tell us about Jesus; what does Matthew want us to understand?

What was/is your epiphany?  What contributes to your recognition and worship of Christ despite the lack of historical verification and potential of improbability in so much of the gospel story? What has made Jesus real for you, your epiphany?

Closing Litany

May the Lord bless us and keep us; may the Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious to us; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace. Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22