Jan. 2, 2021
Somewhere along the way in the story of the three Magi who came to visit Jesus, they get a little more important. We say they are the three kings, although it doesn’t say they were kings in our gospel reading today, Matthew 2. Instead, it says they were Magi: astrologers who studied the stars. It would be fun to think that there were kings that came to see baby Jesus. As if Jesus needs kings to bow to him, to show he is powerful. But he doesn’t, and kings didn’t come to him.
The Magi were not royalty, just stargazers.
Just like the Magi got more important and powerful over time, we all have a tug toward valuing the people who are wealthy, powerful and successful. Isn’t it nice to be able to say I know someone who has a big job, and a lot of money, who has made it in life? We might also wish WE won the lottery or won big at the casino. We wish WE had really nice things: imagine if you were able to buy whatever you want?
Maybe the Magi felt the tug toward powerful people as well. The story goes that Jesus and his family were in Bethlehem. The Magi have been studying the stars. They believe if they follow a certain star, they will find a baby born the king of the Jews. So, they go on a quest to find and to worship him!
They follow the star, and it is taking them toward Jesus. They could just keep following the star, but they decide to make a stop in Jerusalem. Why? Because it is the capital of the southern kingdom of Israel: Judah. They decide, if we are searching for a baby who will be king of the Jews, wouldn’t the king in Jerusalem be the person to ask?
And maybe, the Magi wanted to go to the palace. They wanted to see how the powerful, wealthy and successful live. The Magi could have just kept following the star but going to the palace to see the king was hard to resist!
What happened as a result of their stop in Jerusalem was horrible, although it wasn’t their fault. Herod the king, was ruthless. He really liked power. He had killed his wife and three of his sons so that they wouldn’t be a threat and take his power away. So, Herod wasn’t happy to hear from the Magi that there was a baby who would be king of the Jews!
Herod called together the religious leaders and asked them where the Christ would be born. They told him Bethlehem. Herod told the Magi they should go on to Bethlehem, find the baby, and, on their way back stop by and tell him, so he can also worship the baby.
But the last thing he wants to do is worship Jesus! He wants the new king dead! The Magi are warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, so they don’t. Then, Herod orders all baby boys under 2 be killed, so there won’t be another king. Mary and Joseph have to take Jesus and flee for Egypt, to save his life.
In the end, a trip to the palace to see Herod was not worth it! Sometimes we get a glimpse that the ultra-rich and powerful aren’t worth all the attention. This year we’ve seen billionaires send rockets to outer space. At the same time, we’ve heard about poor working conditions for their workers. I wonder: couldn’t they skip a few minutes in space and take better care of their employees?
Jesus came to earth, and he didn’t come to be powerful and wealthy. Some of the people he focused the most on were what he called, “the little ones.”
When his disciples said parents shouldn’t bother Jesus with their children, Jesus said, “No, bring them to me!” When a poor widow put a coin in the offering, Jesus said she gave more than anyone else, because she gave all that she had. Jesus saw greatness in the little ones.
The Magi continued on their trip after Jerusalem. They learned to worship a baby born in humble conditions. They gave their gifts to Him.
They learned the road to Jesus is a trip where you love the little people.
Tim Madigan is a journalist who interviewed and became close friends with Mr. Rogers, who hosted a children’s television show for 30 years. Tim says his relationship with Mr. Rogers changed his life and made him a better person. He wrote a book about Mr. Rogers titled, I’m proud of you.
Tim said that once Fred Rogers invited him to go to church with him. Tim was eager to go. At one point during the service the minister asked for people to voice their prayer requests. People did. Then a woman stood up and started talking about how horrible war was. She said some bizarre things that didn’t make sense. It was clear she had a mental illness. But she went on and on. Tim said you could tell everyone there wanted her to sit down and be quiet. After a long time, she did sit down. At that point, Mr. Rogers leaned over and looked at Tim and whispered, that poor woman, she has been so traumatized by war.
Then after the worship service was finished, no one approached or talked to this woman. Except for Fred Rogers. He went over to her, gave her a big hug, and asked her questions. It was clear that, no matter that this woman was annoying and delusional, Fred Rogers felt strongly that she should be listened to and valued.
Everybody was important to Mr. Rogers. And he felt everyone should be heard and appreciated.
Mr. Rogers teaches us, the road to Jesus is a trip where you listen to the little people.
Everybody is important, rich and wealthy people are too. But if we want to know if we are moving forward in following Jesus, one question to ask ourselves is do we treat the little ones with love and respect? And do we realize the big successful people are just people, and not worthy of worship?
A couple years ago Jimmy Pfeiffer, who was a member of Trinity, passed away. Someone read his obituary on Facebook and said, “I never met Jimmy, but I cried reading his obituary.” Jimmy was born with developmental disabilities. The obituary was written by his brother. It mentioned how Jimmy enjoyed worshipping at Trinity when he could. In the obituary, the family thanked Charlene Morgan for her care for Jimmy and his family. Here is some of Jimmy’s obituary:
” Jimmy’s life of love influenced his brother and niece to pursue their professional careers in the field of Special Education. His always optimistic and loving nature served to teach us patience, a deeper understanding of the human condition and a respect for differences. His grace and his care and kindness towards others could serve as a template for all in today’s chaotic environment.
“Jimmy bore his physical and developmental challenges bravely and with more grace than most people could. He worked hard to find his place in the world and while his life journey was not an easy one it was one that was filled with love.
“The best tribute that can be given to Jimmy’s memory is to acknowledge ALL people with disabilities with a friendly smile and a word of encouragement or a handshake. Take a moment to understand the challenges that so many people face and react with kindness and respect. Condemn discrimination and mockery and recognize the humanity in all people. This was what Jimmy did!”
The wise men became wiser during their journey. They learned what they sought wasn’t found in a palace, but in humble conditions.
My challenge for you this week is to think about someone who has surprised you with the attention and respect they gave to you. Someone who let you know you were special and were so glad to know you. Think about how good that felt! That experience helps us realize how to give kindness and recognize the humanity of others.
The story of the Magi teaches us something about the road of life, and our walk following Jesus. There are big shiny, successful things we think we want, and we try to go after. But what really mattered to Jesus was the little ones. The people that really matter to you are the people who love you, who truly see you and who listen well to you. The people who are proud of you no matter what. The road to Jesus is a trip where you listen to, see and love people: not for their success, but just for being themselves. It makes their life better, and it gives you the best life there could be, following on the road to Jesus. Amen.
Maureen Duffy-Guy's blog 