Advent Day Seven

Matthew 2:1-12

The birth narratives of Christ are fascinating to read.  They are an accurate accounting of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world.  In Matthew’s account of the visit of the Magi, it is written that “Magi came from the east to Jerusalem and asked ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews’”?  It was an important question then, for the people of Israel had been looking for the Messiah and it is therefore an important question for us today who are looking for hope and light in our dark world.

As we wind our way through this passage in Matthew, it is obvious that the ruler to come out of Bethlehem was a king, but it is not specifically stated so.  It is obvious that the little child born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of ancient prophecies is the Messiah, but again, his kingship is not specifically stated as such.  As we read through the rest of the gospel, Jesus is repeatedly named “Son of David” and “Rabbi” but nowhere is he named the “King of the Jews”.  It is not until near the very end of Matthew’s Gospel that we see this title attributed to Jesus; and the place it was attributed to him: Golgotha.  The placard that hung above him on the cross said “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Isn’t it interesting that the Magi’s specific question from the very beginning of the Gospel is not completely answered until the very last pages of the Gospel and when it is answered, we see this same King hanging upon the Cross and dying for the sins of the world.  You see, the Gospel’s birth narratives find their deepest meaning on the cross, that the King of the Jews, died for your sins and for mine… and for the sins of the whole world.  That is why it says in the very earliest creed of the Christian Church, the Apostles Creed, “I believe… in the forgiveness of sins”.  And that message gives us all hope.