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Epiphany Season · Year C

Epiphany of the Lord

Some years Epiphany occurs on the Sunday falling between January 2nd and 8th · January 6, 2028

The Adoration of the Magi, Geertgen tot Sint Jans
The Adoration of the Magi, Geertgen tot Sint Jans, 1480sThe Cleveland Museum of Art
Mary sits with the child in a deep blue cloak while an old king kneels with his hands joined and the two others, richly dressed, stand close by with their gifts.Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.Geertgen tot Sint JansA painter of Haarlem who died young, remembered for gentle, doll-like figures and a tender feeling for light.The Cleveland Museum of ArtThe Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, whose open-access collection is free for anyone to use.The Cleveland Museum of Art
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelMatt. 2:1-12Mt 2:1-12
EpistleEph. 3:1-12Eph 3:1-12
Old TestamentIsa. 60:1-6Is 60:1-6
PsalterPs. 72:1-7, 10-14Ps 72:1-7, 10-14

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

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

A Luther Seminary commentary on the magi's visit as the manifestation of the Messiah to the nations.

Matthew 2:1-12 CommentaryMt 2:1-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

A Reformed preaching commentary reading Epiphany as a surprising, ongoing revelation rather than a single moment.

Matthew 2 CommentaryMt 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse by verse evangelical commentary on the star, the magi's gifts, and Herod's murderous response.

Matthew 2 CommentaryMt 2 Commentary Precept Austin

A deep study page gathering Greek word studies, cross references, and many expositors on Matthew 2.

Classic commentaries on Matthew 2Classic commentaries on Mt 2 BibleHub

A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, and other historic commentators verse by verse.

A New Story, Feast of Epiphany Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church

An Episcopal Sermons That Work model sermon for the Feast of the Epiphany.

Background & Word Study

Overview: MatthewOverview: Mt BibleProject

An animated overview of Matthew's design, framing the infancy narrative that opens the Gospel.

Matthew 2 interlinearMt 2 interlinear BibleHub

The Greek text of Matthew 2 word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the magi story.

The Church Fathers

Matthew 2, patristic commentaryMt 2, patristic commentary Catena

A verse linked catena gathering patristic comment on Matthew 2.

Sermons & Reflections

Lectionary essay for January 6, Epiphany, Matthew 2:1-12Lectionary essay for January 6, Epiphany, Mt 2:1-12 The Christian Century

A mainline Protestant lectionary essay reflecting on the magi's journey and homage.

Podcast

Sermon Brainwave #701: Day of Epiphany Working Preacher

The Sermon Brainwave roundtable working through the Epiphany readings, including Matthew's magi.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

A curated image index for this reading across the history of Christian art.

Study Hub

Matthew 2:1-12Mt 2:1-12 Textweek

The Textweek hub aggregating commentary, art, and sermon links across the Epiphany readings (a few links may be dated).

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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