Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1-12

Ancient Lens

How can we learn from the historical context?

The Purpose of Matthew's Gospel

Matthew didn’t write his Gospel merely to record facts about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He structured his entire Gospel to emphasize the kingly nature of Christ. Since his main audience was Jewish Christians, he writes with special attention to how Jesus is the Messiah and bears the right to the throne of David as Israel’s true king.

The Great Reversal: Outsiders Are Invited into the Kingdom

Matthew juxtaposes two parties’ responses to the birth of Christ: King Herod and the Magi. Herod is the one supposed to be on the inside, the one ruling in David’s city, where…

1. Herod’s fear was that Jesus might dethrone him. What thrones in our hearts do we still defend from Christ’s authority?

2. The Magi traveled far to worship before Jesus. What comfort zones might we need to step outside of to obey and worship God?

3. Herod knew Scripture but tried to kill Jesus instead of going to him like the magi. Where in your life do you have biblical knowledge without obedience?

4. What does the Magi’s joyful response teach us about the posture of worship and wonder we should bring before Jesus?

5. This story…