Epiphany (1879)

Matthew 2:1-12 The Jewish people enjoyed therein an inexpressible advantage over all peoples, that the Messiah was promised to them alone. But, however, it was not rarely proud about this advantage. And when, at the same time, it was indeed predicted to the Jews through the entire Old Testament that their Messiah would be comfort even to all the Gentiles, they still merely understood such in their blindness, that the Gentiles then should also have part in Christ, if they would first become Jews. But how does the Son of God conduct Himself toward the Gentiles upon His arrival on Earth? The moment He is born as a true babe of Bethlehem, He reveals Himself to Magi from the East, for irrefutable proof that He is also the Savior of the Gentiles. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the Gentiles; 1. as He reveals Himself to the Gentiles, a. when He leads them through all sorts of external and natural things to the true Church and thereby to Scripture.1 (Thus the Magi by a miraculous star; thus also other Gentiles through international sensations, whose final purpose is spreading the kingdom of God; through Bible distribution or the fact that members of the true Church come to them, and the like), b. when He lets the Word be proclaimed to them.2 (Here must even a wicked Herod be the means and the preacher3) 2. as the Gentiles are and remain His partakers; this happens, a. when they counter the external directions of God with no malicious reluctance4, b. when they receive the Word of Christ in faith5, c. when they, as Magi, become obedient servants of the Lord; because . they adore Him6, . they give Him what they have7, . they are obedient to Him.8

1 2

Matthew 2:1-6. Matthew 2:7-8. 3 Philippians 1:15 - Mission to the Gentiles. 4 Matthew 2:1-2. 5 Matthew 2:9-11a. 6 Matthew 2:11b. 7 Matthew 2:11c. 8 Matthew 2:12.