Mosaic Study Guide

For Personal Reflection or Smaller Group Encounters

Week of 11 January 08

Questions for Everyone: How do you generally respond to people in authority?  Do you generally have good relationships with people to whom you are accountable?  What makes a good boss? 

The Text: Matthew 2.1-12 -- In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Power is one of the central issues of this story.  King Herod is in power and doesn’t want anyone to take his power.  The central question is: Where is the King?  Who’s in control?  Who has the real power King Herod or the child with Mary?

Questions: Compare and contrast Jesus’ authority with Herod’s authority.  Compare and contrast Jesus’ use of power and the way you tend to use power. 

The Eastern Star-gazers appear in Matthew’s gospel to help the Christian community understand Jesus.  They are the first worshipers.  They are the first to declare his kingly identity.

Questions: What might we learn from Magi’s presence in Matthew’s gospel?  What do they teach us about the nature of Jesus?  Do they give us any hints as to Jesus’ mission?  What, if anything, are we to learn about religion from the fact that the religious professionals in this story seem ambivalent about Jesus whereas Herod and the Magi seek him passionately? 

The Magi’s response to Jesus is beautiful.  They joyfully bow before him and offer their precious gifts. 

Questions: How might the Magi shape our understanding and practice of worship? 

 

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