January 6 Matthew 2: 9-11
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.Matthew 2:9-11 is a passage rich with symbolism and theological significance, offering insights into the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and the nature of true worship.
Verse 9: The Guiding Star
The star that led the Magi symbolizes divine guidance. It is not a natural phenomenon but a miraculous sign from God, pointing directly to the Christ child. This aligns with biblical themes where God uses celestial signs to communicate (e.g., the pillar of fire in Exodus). The star’s journey ahead of the Magi demonstrates God’s sovereignty and his active involvement in leading seekers of truth to Jesus.
Verse 10: Overwhelming Joy
The Magi’s joy upon seeing the star reflects their deep faith and recognition that their search was guided by God. This joy is not merely relief at reaching their destination but a spiritual elation, indicating the fulfillment of their longing to encounter the Savior. It mirrors the joy of all who come to recognize Christ as their King.
Verse 11: Worship and Gifts
•Worship: The Magi, likely Gentiles and learned men, bow before a child born in humble circumstances. Their act of bowing is profound—it acknowledges Jesus’ divine kingship and demonstrates the humility of true worship. It also foreshadows the inclusion of all nations in Christ’s kingdom.
•Gifts: Each gift is symbolic:
•Gold signifies kingship, representing Jesus as the King of kings.
•Frankincense, often used in worship, points to Jesus’ priestly role and his divinity.
•Myrrh, associated with embalming, prefigures Jesus’ sacrificial death for humanity.
The presentation of these treasures also fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 60:6, which foretells Gentiles bringing gold and frankincense to honor the Messiah.
Key Themes
1.Divine Revelation: God uses extraordinary means (the star) to lead the Magi to Jesus, showing his desire for all people, not just Israel, to know Christ.
2.True Worship: Worship involves humility and the recognition of Jesus’ divine nature, as demonstrated by the Magi.
3.Jesus’ Identity: The gifts highlight Jesus’ role as King, Priest, and Savior, encapsulating the essence of his mission.
Today is the feast of the Epiphany and begins a season of lessons revealing Jesus as divine sin of God.
This passage reminds believers of the joy in seeking and finding Christ, the humility required in worship, and the call to offer our best to him in gratitude and devotion.
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