Matthew 2:1-8

It is Matthew who gives us the story of the Kings or Magi who came from a distant eastern land to visit the newborn king of the Jews. They are astronomers and astrologers; they read the skies and believe that what they see in creation is speaking of what is happening in the human world, they are serious people.

Expecting a king to be born in a palace, they arrive in Jerusalem to see Herod, the king. They explain their intent is to worship this new king. This was not a great move on their part. Herod is bothered by this threat to his position and power. Calling together the priests and teachers of the law he asks where this king is to be born. They know the answer, the Christ is to come from Bethlehem, so that is where the Magi go. Astonishingly, even though the Jews are looking for the Messiah to come they apparently show no interest in going with the Magi to find out for themselves, a big contrast to the response of the shepherds.

These Magi are Gentiles, they have travelled a very long way, and it must have been costly in many ways but they have seen a sign for the ‘King of the Jews’. What was the sign? Many people have tried to work this out from examining the sky as it was at that time. The most likely explanation seems to be that it was an alignment of planets; Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Their arrival is our first indicator that this Messiah is coming for the salvation of the Gentiles as well as the Jews .

The declarations of Mary and Zechariah in Luke were focussed on Jewish salvation and deliverance, and the first to worship are the poor shepherds. Here, Matthew, a very Jewish writer tells us of these Gentiles who, like the shepherds, have seen a sign and set out to find a saviour. God is coming for the foreigner, the outcast and the poor. Jesus is King of the Jews but as Son of God he will become Saviour and King for the whole world.

Reflection

The difference between those who have journeyed across countries to seek the Saviour and the local priests who won’t go to the next town is stark. Why do you think they wouldn’t go? Let us pray that we do not become indifferent to the celebration of the Saviour’s arrival this Christmas.