Matthew 2:1-12
Surprise! Foreigners (magi) come into the nativity story to affirm the kingship of Jesus for the nations by the gifts these Gentiles brought—gifts that shout, “King!” They followed the star, which had kingly connotations. The magi came across 2 kings—the real King of the Jews and a self-proclaimed wicked king. Israel was already in turmoil because of Herod, whose political corruption and intrigue had an undercurrent of horror, while his power kept his opponents (including Jews) crushed. Against the backdrop of all this intrigue, murder, and paranoia came Jesus, born the true king and attested to as king by the magi.
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By Pastor Paul Sausser