Finally, we come to the Magi. The contrast here is stunning. These were pagans from the East, probably from Persia or Babylon. They studied the stars. They would have been considered outsiders by any Jew in Jerusalem. Yet they are the ones who responded correctly....
When Herod was troubled, all Jerusalem was troubled with him. The whole city shook when Herod shook. But why would the people of Jerusalem be troubled by news of the Messiah’s birth? Should they not have been excited? They had been waiting for this moment for...
Herod was called “the Great,” and he was great at many things, just not great things. He was a brilliant politician, an incredible builder, and he kept the peace in a volatile region. But he was also paranoid, violent, and ruthless. When the wise men...
Major events demand a response. When the towers fell on September 11th, the nation had to respond. When you receive news that someone you love has passed away, you have to respond. When someone asks you to marry them, you have to respond. Major events do not allow us...
Matthew begins his gospel with Emmanuel – God with us. He ends it with Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The theme of God’s presence brackets the entire gospel. And it’s meant to bracket our entire...
