Matt 2:1-12
"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." (v.6)
Over recent days I have been pondering this text, and wrestling with its implications. Is this just an interesting bit of the nativity story, or does it have a broader significance? For me the answer is both. There are some questions that need to be asked of any text if we are to take Scripture seriously. Each verse in the Bible is part of 'the inspired word of God' but some passages (or probably most) require us to do more that simply read and apply. The theological questioning must include, at the very least, the following questions:
- What did this text mean to its original hearers?
- What does this text tells us about God, Jesus, about mission, about the church?
- What does it mean for the church today?
- What does it mean for me?
It points to the passage of time. Depictions of the nativity scenes show these men and their gifts gathered around the manger with Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. References to the "house" (v.11) and the later account of the slaughter of innocents under two yeas old (v. 16-18) indicate an extended time between the birth of Jesus and their encounter with Jesus. We must allow at least 12 months and probably more before the magi from the east found Jesus.
It points to the universal nature of Jesus' mission. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but these magi came from beyond the national borders. Legend depicts the journey as long and arduous. Any journey in those days was difficult, and the time frame confirms that it was a long journey. We do not know how long, but could allow a time span of around a year. Jesus' birth was noted by wise men (not kings) from afar. The Greeks also believed that the birth of a great man or king was also announced with a sign in the heavens - and here we have Matthew's gospel (with its signs of being for a Jewish audience) recognising the existence of such a portent.
It points to the failure of the Jewish leaders to see what they were awaiting. The Jews were expecting a Messiah, and awaiting his arrival to free them from the oppressor and restore Israel to greatness. Micah 5:2 points to Bethlehem as the birthplace, and the scribes and chief priests knew this, yet were informed of Jesus arrival by these foreigners. They missed it!
It points to a misunderstanding of Jesus mission. For Herod the arrival of a 'new king' was a threat to his position and power. He could only see this infant as a direct threat to his authority and sought to destroy what he did not understand. Before Pilate Jesus identified his kingdom as 'not of this world' (John 18:36) - he was a king of a different kind.
It points to God working beyond our expectations. The magi expected the new king to be born in the capital city, not a rural backwater. They expected to find Jesus in a palace, not the house of a common tradesman. The scribes expected the Messiah to be a king in the manner of David, and Herod expected a ruler who would challenge his authority and replace him as ruler of Israel. To the magi Jesus arrived in circumstances far less significant than they anticipated. In their wisdom they found him, but where they found him confounded them. At the other end of the scale the earthly rulers (Herod and later Pilate) discovered that Jesus was not what they expected, but did not see that he was far more than they expected.
So what does it mean for me today?
It reminds me that God is the God of all and Jesus was sent for all humanity - Jews and non-Jews alike. Today that translates to Christians and those who are yet to recognise Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Jesus came for us all.
It also reminds me that God works in unexpected ways. I need to be alert to the signs of his presence in the Word and in the world.
Jesus has come into our world. May we recognise his presence.
Other readings:
Isaiah 60:1-6;
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14;
Ephesians 3:1-12
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