Magi travel to Jerusalem in search of an Epiphany, seeing God in a child born to goodness. They encounter a ruler trained otherwise, King Herod. Herod is “greatly troubled” by his meeting with these Wise Ones. The king has “assembled his chief priests and scribes” and deceptively tells the Magi, “Go and search diligently for … Continue reading “Herod Is In The House”
Tag: Herod
All Stories Are True and Some of Them Really Happened
The story is told of three wise ones who seek a baby. They have seen his star rising in the East and wish “to do him homage.” They share their intention with the ruler of the land to which they travel, Herod, a most unwise man. Herod will not do homage to a child he … Continue reading “All Stories Are True and Some of Them Really Happened”
What is the Magi In Us?
Matthew’s desire to illuminate Jesus’ likely obscure birth has him pen a story of Magi visiting the manger. The Magi serve as a counter-balance to Herod. The Magi are wise, Herod foolish. The Magi are honest, Herod deceptive. The Magi bring gifts to welcome a birth, Herod devises a plot to carry out a murder. … Continue reading “What is the Magi In Us?”
Honor
The Gospel writer Matthew twice feels the need to ascribe honor to Jesus related to his birth. Matthew first ascribes honor by assigning a royal blood line to Jesus. Matthew traces Jesus back to the warrior King David. Oddly enough, he traces that blood line through Joseph, a man Matthew himself believed was not Jesus’ … Continue reading “Honor”
Strong and Weak
The Magi seek one they believe is born to wisdom. They are strong in their conviction, travelling possibly thousands of miles to find the child. They are therefore also strong physically to make the journey and strong emotionally to keep at it. Being strong they are not deterred by a weak King, Herod, who is … Continue reading “Strong and Weak”