MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
On Jan. 6, Christians around the world observed Epiphany, a day that commemorates the magi’s visit to the infant Jesus. Often called “manifestation” or “revelation” - the introduction of Christ to the Gentiles - Epiphany marks the moment when the light of understanding dawns. Jesus is not merely king of the Jews, but the universal Savior whose arrival demands a response from every heart.
In the story found in Matthew 2:1-12, we find two stark reactions to the news of Jesus’ birth. The magi responded with hope, wonder, and devotion. But Herod, the ruler in Israel at that time, reacted to the lordship of Jesus with fear, calculation, and murderous resistance.
The account tells of respected scholars, likely from Persia, Babylon or Arabia, who knew both astronomy and ancient prophecy. Their journey began after they’d seen an extraordinary sign in the heavens. Centuries earlier, during years in exile, the prophet Daniel had instructed Babylonian wise men in Hebrew scripture and messianic expectations.
These magi may have been spiritual heirs of that teaching, and aware of Numbers 24:17, "A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel." They interpreted this sign as heralding the birth of "King of the Jews". So, they traveled hundreds, perhaps thousands of miles, following the star. Determined, they invested time, resources, and reputation. No matter that they may have appeared foolish, as they followed a guiding light across deserts and into Jerusalem to ask directions, all in pursuit of a promised Ruler.
After leaving Herod, "...they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:9-11).
These offerings carried deep symbolic meaning: gold signified the royalty of the Child; frankincense acknowledged His priestly role; and myrrh was for His eventual sacrificial death. The magi gave the best their lands could offer. In doing so, they also offered themselves, laying their loyalty at the feet of the true King.
God spoke through creation to draw even these outsiders, and they responded with wholehearted devotion. After finding the baby and worshipping, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and departed by another route. They chose obedience to divine guidance over political expediency and personal security. On their journey homeward, they were transformed into witnesses of a new kingdom, one that would outlast every earthly reign.
In sharp contrast stands Herod the Great. When he learned what the magi were seeking - a Child "’...who has been born King of the Jews...’", Herod was greatly troubled. And, Matthew added, "...all Jerusalem with him" (Matthew 2:3).
Herod was an Edomite by birth - not from David’s line, but descended from Jacob’s twin brother Esau (Genesis 36:1). He ruled as a client king under Roman authority, a position he maintained only through ruthless oppression of rivals. So far, he had murdered two wives and three of his own sons to protect his power, so the announcement of a legitimate "King of the Jews" threatened everything he had built.
This perceived threat drove Herod’s fear and jealousy to cunning action. When the wise men appeared in Jerusalem, he summoned religious leaders and learned from the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. He deceptively gave instructions to the magi to find the baby, then report back so he too could "come and worship Him" (Matthew 2:8).
The contrast of Herod with the magi could not be more clear. The magi found in Jesus an opportunity for hope and transformation - a chance to expand their spiritual horizons and bow before the eternal King. Herod saw merely a menace to his fragile empire and responded with paranoia and treachery. One traveled toward the light; the other recoiled from it.
This account in scripture invites us to reflect on our own response to Jesus. Genuine seeking leads to worship and change. Those willing to leave comfort, to risk ridicule, and to realign their loyalties were rewarded. The magi illustrate that God pursues people across cultural and geographic boundaries, speaking through creation, the scriptures, and dreams. They also show that the proper response is humble surrender.
Herod’s story warns of the danger of fear-driven resistance. History records that Herod died later that same year, while the Child he sought to destroy grew up to fulfill every prophecy.
The Christmas season has closed, and a new year has begun. Epiphany challenges us to examine our hearts: are we approaching Jesus with the Magi’s expectant joy, ready to worship and follow wherever He leads? The gospel of Christ offers a new and better way. Jesus Himself declared, "’I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6). The magi found that way, and their legacy endures in faithful witness to the King.
