Lectionary for Epiphany.

Lectionary for Epiphany.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men came from the East, saying: ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.’ Matthew 2:1-2

Collect. Almighty God, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ is the light of the world. May your people, illumined by your word and sacraments, shine with the radiance of his glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading. Ephesians 3:1-12. Paul had begun his relationship with Jesus as an implacable enemy but God intervened and Paul went on to be one of Jesus’ most fervent disciples. Among the first disciples Paul was the most educated having studied under the great university teacher Gamaliel, a renowned doctor of Jewish Law. His education and intellectual understanding were great yet here in this letter Paul recognises that the insight he had about the mystery of Jesus Christ was not through his education but through a revelation given to him by God. This reminds us that the mysteries of God are not puzzles to be solved but are mysteries because God has chosen them to be mysteries: A mystery is made understandable through God’s gift of revelation. The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and to our children forever, to observe all the words of this law.(Deuteronomy 29:29) When a mystery is revealed then those to whom it is revealed need to give the knowledge due respect, it is important.

The mystery which Paul is revealing is that Jesus came to be the Messiah and Saviour of the whole world. This understanding which by now has been made known to us for thousands of years, hardly seems a mystery it seems to be much more a given reality. It is a reality but conceivably we may have lost sight of how radical was the realisation that a Jew would become the Saviour of the world. If we read this passage with  the understanding that is Paul’s, that this information comes as a revelation, then we might grasp how excited Paul is with the realisation that Jesus Christ is the pivot point on which the whole godly future of creation is balanced. This is much more than personal salvation this is more than life changing, this is life itself. We can sense that even though in prison this refreshing insight lifts Paul’s spirits. Once more this knowledge reminds him of the perfect plan for creation and so into the very heart of God: Before him is the vision and the understanding of the New Creation with Christ at the head.

Prayer. Almighty God, majestic in power and purpose, brought to our awareness through the ministry of Jesus, we bow before you. You alone are from everlasting and through you alone we find eternal life. By your Spirit grant us the knowledge that will set our minds at rest and give us hope as we face life in all its reality. Through the guidance of your Son Jesus Christ help us to comprehend the vastness of his love as he offers to us the opportunity to love and serve you alone above all other. We thank you that you love us in ways far beyond our understanding: That you hold us when we are weak and guide us when we seek to accomplish your will. You are always with us in the dark times and rejoice with us as we celebrate. Help us Lord to release ourselves into your care more fully today, recognising that we can be ourselves before you, for you both know us and love us as we are, created in your image. We thank you for continuing to work in us and each day grant that we may be changed more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Above all may our hearts be filled with your peace and praise now and always. Amen

Reading. Matthew 2:1-12. As readers and preachers study today’s passage at least one of the questions that will come to mind is, “Did this event really happen? The “wise men” or Magi appear and then just as quickly disappear from the bible text. At the time of writing there would also have been questions asked about this passage but the debate between Jews and Christians would have been, “Is this what God would do?” Is this a true action of God! Matthew has a particular reason for including this recollection in the life of Jesus. The coming of the Magi signals to the reader that the birth of Jesus had been noted as significant to people outside of the Jewish world view. Indeed so significant was this birth expected to be that the Magi has travelled many miles just to pay their respects to this baby found in lowly circumstances. The Magi looked for a king but Herod’s priests and prophets; those who studied the ancient Jewish prophecies, recognise that this is no earthly king but is the one who will rescue his people, namely the Messiah. Hence in just a few verses Matthew has announced Jesus as the Messiah, the one promised from long ago but also he is also Messiah to those outside the Jewish family; the Gentiles. By coming the wise men have signalled Jesus’ world significance. This would have been a radical suggestion, hence the question, “Would God have acted in this way?” For Matthew the answer is clear, through God’s plan Jesus was born to be Lord of both Jew and Gentile and at the end of his gospel Matthew will make it clear that his crucifixion brought salvation to both Jew and Gentile. It is the Centurion who recognises that Jesus is “God’s Son!” (Matt 27:54)

The gifts that have been given by the wise men signal that they have understood the nature of his coming. Gold is for his kingship, and frankincense represents his priesthood. These two gifts are prophesied by Isaiah as the gifts that would be brought to Jerusalem to honour the God of Israel. Myrrh was the major spice used to set apart the utensils for worship by anointing them. Myrrh was also used as a fragrant oil to embalm a body and so it prefigured that Jesus was to be set apart to die. So Matthew is pointing to the worship of the wise men to highlight that the king and priest who was destined to die on behalf of all humanity

Prayer. Holy and most gracious God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; with the guidance of a star you brought gentile wise men to worship the baby Jesus and give him due reverence. By your grace at the beginning of this New Year, guide us so that we too may both seek and find our Lord and Saviour and worship Him.  Lead us by the light of your Holy Spirit to surrender ourselves and faithfully follow Him in the way of obedient service. In every way may our lives together lift high the name of Jesus and declare him to be the way, the truth and the life. Grant us wisdom to discern the needs of those around us, that we may humbly serve them and so faithfully proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Collect. Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.