Monday, January 5, 2015
Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
LIGHT BULB NO. 1 -- JESUS IS THE SAVIOR
Twelve days after Christmas we celebrate the festival of Epiphany. The word "epiphany" means "appearance" or "manifestation." It's a word that is used to describe the revealing of a truth. The Scriptures we consider during the Epiphany season of the church year reveal the truth that Jesus is the world's Redeemer -- and that He brings salvation for all people, both Jews and Gentiles. That the Christ is the Savior of all nations may seem elementary to us but it was a real eye opener at the time of His birth. Most people at that time, especially in Israel, believed that salvation belonged only to the Jews.
One picture that is typically used for an "epiphany" is a light bulb turning on. When something becomes known to us, it is as if a light has turned on in our minds and revealed the truth. As God shines the light of His Word in our lives, it breaks through the fog of our sin-darkened hearts. This illustration rings true for the festival of Epiphany too. Epiphany is often connected to the story of the Wise Men, since they were Gentiles who found hope through faith in the promised Savior. Their simple question and explanation to Herod revealed the true wisdom they had. They sought "the king of the Jews" and desired to "worship" this King. The Wise Men surely were not thinking of a physical king, since that king of the Jews was right in front of them. They sought a spiritual ruler, who deserved to be worshiped as their Lord and Savior. As Micah's prophecy confirmed for them, this King was Jesus, born in Bethlehem.
Truly this "epiphany" or "light bulb" revelation about Jesus, that He is the Savior, is the greatest and most important for our lives. But God reveals much more to us through the life of His Son. This week we will look at more "epiphanies" from Jesus as we find them recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
