Epiphany – Matthew 2:1-12

As the feast of Epiphany, we commemorate the Magi's visit to the baby Jesus and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. It is this beautiful reminder that the gift of Christ is one that goes beyond the borders of the Jewish people and has become a gift to all people. The question remains how will we receive this gift?

1. Troubled about status and position

   “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” – John 1:11.

2. Seeking

   “For by gold the power of a king is signified, by frankincense the honor of God, by myrrh the burial of the body; and accordingly they offer Him gold as King, frankincense as God, myrrh as Man.” – John Chrysostom

3. Another Way

   “Frodo: 'It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill Gollum when he had the chance.'

   Gandalf: 'Pity? It's a pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play in it, for good or evil, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.' Frodo: 'I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.'

   Gandalf: 'So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides that of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.”

   Spiritual Practice

   1. It's ok to be troubled/ask questions. Let those moments change you toward a better relationship with Jesus and others

   2. Seek community and seek Jesus. Ask someone to hang out this coming week. Start a book club with this community. Start engaging with people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus and invite them into the community.

   3. Maybe it's time to go another way. You've been in sin, you have been putting yourself before others. Turn and ask Jesus to help you on this hard journey toward the one who saves.