Epiphany Season · Year B
Epiphany of the Lord
Some years Epiphany occurs on the Sunday falling between January 2nd and 8th · January 6, 2027
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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Take it further: Matthew 2:1-12
Commentary
Matthew 2:1-12Mt 2:1-12 Working Preacher
Reads the magi as Gentile astrologers and the star as a messianic sign, Christ manifested to all nations.
Matthew 2:1-12Mt 2:1-12 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Connects the foreign women of Matthew's genealogy to the arriving magi to show God's plan was always bigger.
Showing Forth SALT Project
Reads the magi's patient star-study as a model of contemplative openness to God met through outsiders.
Matthew 2:1-12Mt 2:1-12 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.
The Journey of the Magi Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Barron reads the magi of Matthew 2 as a metaphor for the spiritual journey every believer undertakes toward Christ.
The Epiphany of the Lord, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reflection on Matthew 2:1-12, framing the magi's worship as Christ revealed to all nations.
Were the Magi Real? Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Episcopal sermon using the magi to probe true wisdom versus self-deception in the search for God.
Background & Word Study
Stars and Prophets in Alignment Left Behind and Loving It
A verse-by-verse Greek reading of the magi story and how alternative spirituality can lead to Christ.
Myth and history in the Epiphany of Matthew 2Myth and history in the Epiphany of Mt 2 Psephizo · Ian Paul
Examines the historical and literary questions behind the star and the magi, defending the narrative's coherence.
Overview: Matthew 1-13Overview: Mt 1-13 BibleProject
An animated overview of Matthew's opening half, situating the infancy narrative in the Gospel's design.
The Church Fathers
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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