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Epiphany Season · Epiphany of the Lord · Year B

Matthew 2:1-12

The Visit of the Magi

January 6, 2027

Triptych of the Adoration of the Magi, Hieronymus Bosch
Triptych of the Adoration of the Magi, Hieronymus Bosch, c. 1495Museo del Prado, Madrid
A conventional adoration in the centre, surrounded by Bosch's usual strangeness: a half-naked figure watching from the stable doorway whom scholars have argued about for a century.It is Matthew 2, with the visitors and the gifts, and with something off to the side that the gospel does not account for.Hieronymus BoschA Netherlandish painter of demons, hybrids and exact human cruelty, whose work was collected by Philip II and has never been fully explained.Museo del Prado, MadridSpain's national collection, formed from what the Spanish crown had bought over three centuries, which is why its Titians and Rubenses are unmatched.Museo del Prado, Madrid
Roman Lectionary
GospelMatt. 2:1-12Mt 2:1-12
Second ReadingEph. 3:2-3a, 5-6Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
First ReadingIsa. 60:1-6Is 60:1-6
Responsorial PsalmPs. 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (cf. 11)Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (cf. 11)

Overview & Insights

“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)

Matthew contrasts Jesus’ identity as the Messiah—the true King who enacts Israel’s return from exile—with Rome’s client-king, Herod, affirming Jesus’ identity through Old Testament testimony, God’s protection, and worship of Jesus by the Gentile magi.

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Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 2:1-12 - Working PreacherCommentary on Mt 2:1-12 - Working Preacher Working Preacher

Luther Seminary's RCL commentary on the visit of the magi and the meaning of epiphany.

Matthew 2:1-12 - Center for Excellence in PreachingMt 2:1-12 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed commentary reading the magi as a sign to expect the unexpected in God's people.

Enduring Word Bible Commentary Matthew Chapter 2Enduring Word Bible Commentary Mt Chapter 2 Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse-by-verse study of Matthew 2 and the visit of the wise men.

Matthew 2 Commentary | Precept AustinMt 2 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin

In-depth verse commentary and word studies on Matthew 2.

Matthew 2:1 CommentariesMt 2:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Parallel classic commentaries on Matthew 2:1-12 gathered on one page.

The Epiphany of the Lord (Year B) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre

Dr. Brant Pitre's Catholic study of the Epiphany readings and the magi.

The Magi and the Spiritual Journey - Word on Fire Sermon Word on Fire · Bishop Barron

Bishop Barron's Epiphany homily drawing five lessons from the magi's journey to Christ.

Epiphany of the Lord | Loyola Press Loyola Press · Sunday Connection

Catholic Sunday Connection with reflection and family prayer on the visit of the magi.

Background & Word Study

Matthew 1-13 Overview - BibleProjectMt 1-13 Overview - BibleProject BibleProject

Animated overview of the first half of Matthew, where the infancy narrative sits.

Matthew 2:1 InterlinearMt 2:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek interlinear with parsing for each word of Matthew 2:1-12.

The Church Fathers

Matthew 2 - Catena BibleMt 2 - Catena Bible Catena

Patristic and medieval comments on Matthew 2 verse by verse.

Podcast

Bishop Barron: The King of All the World Word on Fire

Bishop Barron preaches this Sunday’s Mass readings, including Matthew 2:1-12.

Art & Music

Revised Common Lectionary - Vanderbilt Divinity Library Vanderbilt

Lectionary art index with images and hymn suggestions for the Epiphany readings.

Study Hub

Matthew 2 - The Text This WeekMt 2 - The Text This Week Textweek

Comprehensive lectionary link aggregator for Matthew 2.

Questions preachers ask

Why is the visit of the Magi the feast of Epiphany?

Gentile wise men follow the star to Bethlehem and worship the child with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the first sign that the Savior is manifest to all nations.

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