Matthew 2:9-11

Posted by DJL on Jan 6, 2014 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

It’s easy to hear this story as an example of our proper response to Jesus. When the star – whether the invitation of a neighbor, a chance reading of Scripture, that little nudge that won’t go away – finally draws to us encounter Jesus, we too should bow in worship, open our hearts, and offer what gifts we have.

That’s a good way to read this story, taking the magi as our example.

But we might also read the story the other way around, not only paying attention to what we should do, but what God has already done. For from the very beginning of Jesus’ life, God is reaching out to all people. These magi are three persons who come from another country and return again. They are likely astrologers who worship in another religion and presumably continue to do so. They are as different from most of the rest of the characters in Matthew’s story about Jesus as you can imagine. Except in one respect. They are children of God and God draws them to witness the grace and mercy dawning from on high in the birth and life of Jesus.

Matthew’s Gospel in many ways is considered the most “Jewish” of the four in that he writes for a Jewish audience, tries to demonstrate that Jesus is God’s Messiah from the Jewish Scriptures, and for this reason consciously and consistently makes links between Jesus’ ministry and the Jewish law and prophets. But here, in these opening chapters, Matthew makes it clear that Jesus comes for all. Accepts all. Saves all. Loves all.

So, yes, this story of the three magi offers an example of how we might respond to Jesus. And it also – and I’d argue more importantly – shows us one of countless examples of how God loves everyone. Period.

Prayer: Dear God, let us remember that your love is for all, and knowing that you love us, empower us to love others as you do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.