EPIPHANY

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

Mt 2:1-12

GOSPEL EXPLANATION

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod...

This was Herod the Great. He had the right to be called "the Great" because he was the king who was able to bring some form of peace and order in Palestine. He was the builder of the Temple in Jerusalem. He could be compassionate. During the famine of 25BC, he melted his golden plate in order to buy corn for the starving people. But he could be cruel. He had 3 of his sons assassinated on suspicion that they were after his crown. Thus, we are not at all surprised that he was capable of the massacre of the Holy Innocents.

Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem....

 The term "magi" has many meanings. The Persian priests were called "magi". Magicians were also called "magi". In this particular context the magi were probably astrologers. The mention of magi from the East in Matthew's infancy narrative was probably meant to contrast the unbelief and rejection of Jesus by the religious and political leaders of the people (Herod, the chief priests and the scribes) on the one hand, and the acceptance pagans in the person of the magi who adored the child of Bethlehem.

Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising.

 Matthew had in mind the Old Testament story of Balaam, who had prophesied that "A star shall advance from Jacob" (Numbers 24:17).

Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Incense and myrrh were the traditional riches and perfumes of Arabia. According to Isaiah(60:6)the Messiah would receive gifts from foreign nations,"Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord."