01.01.23 - Epiphany I: The King's Mission

As the calendar shifts to a New Year, we observe a more ancient reckoning of time and look more closely at the layers of meaning in the story of the magi. Matthew is helping us to see that Jesus as Messiah is the new Israel, a new Moses, and in today's study, a new Solomon. Born of the same royal line, the humble king is worshipped first by Gentile astrologers, who are also the first to call Him King. Their visit not only provides the young family with treasure to fund their coming escape, but also connects powerfully to Solomon’s reign and the visit of the Queen of Sheba, who brings Solomon the same gifts the magi present to Jesus. The Queen becomes a template for the nations in both the time of Solomon and in ours.

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