Matthew's record of the Magi's visit is shaped in such a way as to reflect the Moses story, and so serves to demonstrate the fulfilment of scripture in Jesus' birth. The story tells us that Jesus is born in Bethlehem, as predicted. It also tells us of the coming day when the Jews will seek Jesus' destruction, while the Gentiles will seek his acceptance. We should note that there is a long history of rejecting the historicity of this story. Many scholars see it as a reworked Palestinian legend about Pharaoh's astrologers predicting the birth of Moses, but just because Matthew gives the story a theological edge doesn't mean that it is a fable.

v1. There is debate over the date of Herod's death, but 4BC is favoured. So, Jesus is born some time before 4BC in Bethlehem, in Judea (rather than Bethlehem in Zebulun). Magi are referred to in Daniel,1:20, 2:2, 4:7, 5:7. The word loosely cover astrologers, magicians and interpreters of dreams. It is possible they have journeyed from Babylon. In tradition they are named Melkon, Balthasar and Gasper.

v2. For Matthew, the importance of this story lies in its fulfillment of scripture - Messiah is "a star" that will "rise out of Israel", Num.23:7. Although the Old Testament denounces astrology, Matthew relates the story, emphasizing that the Magi come to "worship", ie. do obeisance, do homage. The "star" is possibly a conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn in 7BC. Even the Jews saw significance in the same planetary conjunction.

v3. In Herod's final years he was quite paranoid and ordered the death of numerous officials, including family members, so the visit of the Magi not only disturbed Herod, but also the populous, who were rightly worried about how he might respond.

v4-5. Herod consults the priestly hierarchy, along with experts on the Old Testament, for the birthplace of the Messiah and is told "Bethlehem in Judea."

v6. Matthew loosely follows the Masoretic text of Micah 5:2 with some words from 2 Samuel 5:2.

v7-10. The Magi obviously came to Jerusalem on the assumption that the new Hebrew king would be born there, but Herod is able to tell them where they must go. Obviously Herod wanted to know when the star appeared so he could calculate the child's age and efficiently eliminate any possible contender for his throne. As for the Magi, he was able to present himself as a devotee of the newly born king, so much so that he didn't even bother to send along a representative. Of course, he never expected God to intervene. As the Magi headed toward Bethlehem the star appeared overhead, confirming their journey's end.

v11. The Magi track down the family, now living in a home, and "worship him" (They see both Jesus and Mary, but worship Jesus alone). Following Eastern custom, they give gifts to Jesus, in much they same way as gifts would be given to an important dignitary. Opening their treasure boxes, they give gold, frankincense (mixed gums used for incense), and myrrh (a spice for embalming). The ancients suggested these represented royalty, divinity, and sacrifice, but there is no evidence the Magi intended this understanding. Three gifts don't necessarily mean three visitors (always a good trivia question!).

v12. God intervenes and warns the Magi to head home without returning to Jerusalem.

It's very easy to allow the picturesque nature of the "we three kings" story, to hide its substantial teaching. In fact, other than the little drummer boy, Christmas cards depicting the three kings on their camels are the most widely chosen secular Christmas scene. It wouldn't even offend a Muslim. Although I have to say, when I was young, most Christmas cards depicted a snow-bound English village scene, sometimes with the church in view. Anyway, we can easily miss the point of these visiting astrologers.

Matthew goes to great length to remind us that the events surrounding the birth of Jesus fulfill scripture. Nothing is accidental. These events are designed and long ago foretold by the prophets. Matthew makes the point that God's providential care, even supernatural care, touches these events and moves them to their intended end. He also gives us an early hint of the hostility that will be shown toward Jesus by the Jewish authorities, and the opposite response shown by the Gentiles. There is a sense where the Gentiles will recognize Jesus' reign, while Israel will reject it. The Magi had but the light of a star, while Israel had the light of the scriptures. So, like Nineveh in the day of judgment, the Magi will condemn Israel for neglecting the privilege of their greater light.

Many years ago, in communist Russia, a soldier was given a page from a Bible. It was from Isaiah. He didn't much understand it, other than the repeated phrase, "thus says the Lord." About all he could understand of God was that he speaks. So he asked the God who spoke with Isaiah, to speak with him. And He did. With this minute revelation, this flickering star, he kneeled before the God who speaks and he worshiped him.

"The light shines in the darkness." God's grace in Christ is a fine light shining in the midst of confusion. Yet, the seeker will always find the light, so let us always seek rather than be dulled by the confusion.

Why is this gospel reading chosen for Epiphany? Explain.