David Bahn – Reflections

As they came to Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus. They begged Jesus to touch him. ²³ Jesus took the blind man’s hand and led him out of the village. He spit into the man’s eyes and placed his hands on him. Jesus asked him, “Can you see anything?”

²⁴ The man looked up and said, “I see people. They look like trees walking around.”

²⁵ Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes a second time, and the man saw clearly. His sight was normal again. He could see everything clearly even at a distance. ²⁶ Jesus told him when he sent him home, “Don’t go into the village.” – Mark 8:22-26

I want to know why! Perhaps you’ve said that. Likely your children have said it, or soon will if they’re young. We all want to know why from time to time. Even though we are urged – no commanded – not to lean on our own understanding (cf. Proverbs 3:5), it’s difficult to restrain ourselves from asking why when we face difficulty or disappointment. Why did she have to take that road at that time? Why couldn’t he just say he was sorry? Why didn’t that medication work? Why did I have to lose my job when I did nothing wrong? Inquiring minds want to know. 

I want to know why Jesus told the now-seeing man not to go into the village. Was he in danger of seeing things there that would distract him or upset his faith? Some say it is part of the messianic secret theory (which is not generally accepted). The now-seeing man was commanded not to go into his village because – according to this theory – Jesus didn’t want the secret to get out. Sometimes Jesus did forbid people from telling about his actions and identity, and some later texts include the prohibition of telling anyone. But these are conjecture. We’re not told. This is another place in which we are not to lean on our own understanding.

I’m not always good about this. Most often, however, I hide my desire to know by shrugging things off, pretending it doesn’t really matter. Sometimes that amounts to fatalistic surrender. That’s not the way of faith. Faith realizes that there are things we do not understand, and that we must sometimes simply trust God. But faith never winks as reality. Faith is willing to struggle with the big questions, and seek God’s favor and answers, and wait. 

Some say that there will be a big Information Booth in heaven. We’ll be able to go and ask all the questions we might wish to ask. We’ll be able to get all the information we want. We can ask all about this moment and many others in Jesus’ ministry. But I suspect the line will be very short. For in that moment, we’ll rejoice that this man experienced the healing touch of Jesus. We’ll delight in the presence and glorious radiance of God. We’ll rejoice that Jesus is receiving all the honor and glory that he so rightfully deserves. We will also praise him for his glorious grace in healing our diseases and forgiving our sins. 

Inquiring minds want to know. But faith-filled hearts find eternal peace.

When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. ²³ Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?”

²⁴ The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.”

²⁵ Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. ²⁶ Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.” – Mark 8:22-26

When one of our children was in the nursery at the church we served, Diane went to pick him up after the service. “He did have a dirty diaper,” the nursery worker said. She was all of 15 years old. Diane asked, “OK, did you just put the dirty diaper in the diaper bag?” A questioning look accompanied her next comment, “No, I just threw it away.” Diane: “Where is it. I’ll need to wash it out so we can take it home and put it in the wash.” The questioning look was replaced with a look of shock and awe came over the girl. “You mean you use it again?!?!” 

We’re not talking anything like that level of grossness when Jesus spits on the blind man’s eyes. But you do wonder. Or am I the only one who is at least slightly put off by his actions? There is some evidence that there is healing power in saliva. Consider this comment.  

Microbiologists have [lately] turned their attention and experiments to the half gallon of our saliva generated each day. (We don’t swallow our saliva when we are asleep—hence “fasting saliva.”)

They have found histatins in our spit. Histatins, a protein, are a group of histidine-rich cationic peptides which are antibacterial and antifungal and are found only in humans and primates. They, also, found neutrophils with their abundance of white blood cells which are the micro cells that protect our body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. And they found laminim in our saliva!

Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia talks about laminim: : “a glycoprotein component of connective tissue basement membrane that promotes cell adhesion” (Miriam Webster Dictionary). From Early Church History blog.

Laminim is an amazing thing. Watching the full video of Giglio’s explanation of it is worth the time. And while I’m not certain that I agree with the idea that Jesus used spittle as a medical treatment, it is clear that Jesus did use saliva on the man’s eyes. And the man was healed (albeit in a two-step manner). Would you be willing to let Jesus take you by the hand away from the crowd if it meant you were healed – no matter how he chose to do it? 

They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. ²³ He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” ²⁴ And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” ²⁵ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. ²⁶ Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.” – Mark 8:22-26 [NRSV]

Have you ever had a friend who brought you to Jesus? Those who know me will know of Jerry, my high school buddy. We met when he offered me a place to sit down while waiting for our first hour chemistry classroom to be opened. The place was the Central High School darkroom. Because I was on crutches at the time, a place to sit was a welcome thing. A darkroom was a compelling mystery inviting further investigation. Jerry was my lead, and the darkroom proved to be an introduction not only to photography, but even to a deeper connection with Jesus, and ultimately a calling. Jerry knew as a junior in high school that he was going to be a Lutheran pastor. He eventually opened my eyes to see that as my calling as well. 

A place to sit, a darkroom, photography (he sold me his Minolta A5 camera), a deeper faith, and a lifelong calling: these were the gifts he gave me. 

Friends brought the blind man to see Jesus, through whom the man was healed; able now to see. I wonder whether they had to cajole him to seek Jesus’ healing touch. I’m curious about the interaction. Was he ready to go? Did he ask them to take him? Was his gate more halting than normal on their way? Or did he eagerly keep urging them on? 

We don’t know, although it is possible to conjecture about these things. It might prove enlightening as well to consider their motives, feelings, hopes, and fears as these events unfold. In fact, one edifying means of applying the truths of the Bible is to put yourself into the story. Are you one of the friends? Are you the blind man? Are you one of the disciples who watch this unfold? Are you one of the people that look like trees? There are many possibilities.

Having identified your place in this story, what do you learn about Jesus? What do you learn about blind people? Can you draw other conclusions about people in need? What of ways in which you may help others? Or do you learn something about expectations, faith, and honesty (see yesterday’s blog post)? 

It might be enough that you consider people in your life who need a friend. Someone may need to be brought to Jesus. Someone may need to be urged to seek a healthier life. Someone may need you to join them in celebrating God’s blessings. Someone may just need a place to come and sit. 

When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. ²³ Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?”

²⁴ The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.”

²⁵ Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. ²⁶ Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.” – Mark 8:22-26

Trees don’t walk. Nevertheless the once-blind man says that the people he saw looked like trees walking. He was half-blind. He could see something, but nothing clearly. Jesus’ healing touch was, for some reason, only half effective the first time around. 

This man expected something better than a fuzzy healing from his blindness. When Jesus asked him if he could see anything after his first attempt, the man did not pass off his half-way healing as sufficient or all done. He was honest with Jesus, and willing to let Jesus know the status of his restored vision.

Notice that Jesus did ask the man. Whether he was testing the man to see if he would settle for a half-healing, or just wanted to know is not told us. Mark simply reports that Jesus asked and the man answered. I’m inclined to put this in the “Let’s See if this Man has Faith in the Fullness of Jesus’ Power” column. In other words, I believe Jesus was testing the man’s faith. 

Faith is all about ascribing to God good intentions, great power, true love, and a pure heart. Faith isn’t really about us. It’s about God, what we believe about him, what we expect from him, and how we approach him in prayer. 

Some may say that humility requires that we do not ask too much. While that may be true, faith is bold because it holds to God and his promises. There is nothing arrogant about taking God at his word. I’m remembering Martin Luther’s prayer for his friend and colleague/helper, Philip Melanchthon. Melanchthon  was sick and Luther payed.

Filled with fear, [Luther] said: “O God, how the devil has shattered this instrument for me!” Then the faithful and manly friend approached his God in prayer for his much beloved friend, by throwing, as he, himself afterwards said, “the sack before the door, and by rubbing his ears with all the promises from His own word.” (CTQ, Volume 76:1-2 January April 2012) 

Our timidity in prayer may be because we know our prayers are not good or right. They may be selfish and self-serving. Restraint under those conditions is good and proper. But if we approach God with a good request, flowing from our love for God and neighbor, we need not hold back. We can “throw the sack at the door” and “rub God’s ears in his promises.” While that may be heroic faith (cf. the above-referenced article), it may also be what is needed at that moment. 

And when God does answer, don’t settle for walking trees. 

For your edification and meditation this Lord’s Day

Psalm 10:16-18
The Lord is king forever and ever;
    the nations perish from his land.
¹⁷ O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
    you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
¹⁸ to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
    so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he inclined to me and heard my cry.
² He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
    out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
³ He put a new song in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
    and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 70:1
Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
    O Lord, make haste to help me!

Psalm 100

Psalm 130

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ² asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” ³ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. ⁸ Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” ⁹ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. ¹¹ On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. – Matthew 2:1-12 [NRSV]

“Everyone does his best thinking on the way home from the meeting,” he said. His appearance was anything but GQ haute. He wore a one piece cotton overall jump suit that late fall of 1985. He sat on the table in front of the group of pastors as he led our three day workshop, The Pastor as Professional Leader. “My version of reality…” was another of his favorite expressions. But Lyle Schaller nailed it with that comment, “Everyone does his best thinking on the way home from the meeting.” 

We’re not told what the magi were thinking about as they departed from Bethlehem. There is no known record of their conversations, conclusions, or concerns. But surely they did have some things to ponder. Was the trip worth it? Why was Herod so troubled? What will this king’s future reign be like? What are we going to tell the people back home? Will they believe us? Haven’t they already written us off as foolish men, following contrived celestial signs? I don’t think they went home with the same heart as they left. And I believe it surely must have been a newly revived heart of hope and joy. 

We meet Jesus through his word, in our encounters with his people, and at the table and the font. He has manifest himself as the True King, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. He is worthy in every way to receive honor, glory, power, and dominion over all things. His rightful place is at the right hand of God most high. He alone deserves the center and most cherished place in our hearts. 

Coming away from that meeting, what are we thinking? What worries us? Jesus is King. What discourages us? Jesus rules. What gives us joy? Jesus is Lord. For what do we hope? Jesus will come again. How can we stand before God? Jesus is interceding for us. What will people think of our encounter with Jesus when we tell them? Jesus grants his people peace. 

Maybe we need to consider our trips to and from our Jesus encounters. One of my favorite parts of the baptismal service is the phrase, “May your coming in and your going out be blessed from this time forth, and forevermore” (cf. Psalm 121:8). That implies that we are to be intentional about coming to meet Jesus, and thoughtful and thankful for his blessings as we are on our way home from the meeting.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ² asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” ³ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. ⁸ Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” ⁹ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. ¹¹ On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. – Matthew 2:1-12 [NRSV]

I’m not certain whether or not I wish to be less naive. Obviously there is a downside to being too susceptible to people’s untested claims. Those who don’t guard themselves are likely to become victims of scamsters and con artists. On the other hand, you want to think the best of people, not having to question everything they say. 

Living with fellow sinners in a fallen world requires at least a bit of skepticism. We cannot be naive when it comes to dealing with sin, Satan, and subterfuge. If we deny the sinful state of fallen men and women, however, we not only deny God’s word (Romans 3:23, for example), but we set ourselves up for harm and mistreatment. People take advantage of the gullible. Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Thankfully, however, the magi were not naive. When Herod told them that he wanted to worship the new King of the Jews, they didn’t let on. Matthew tells us nothing of their response to this request. He does tell us, however, that when the angel warned them in a dream about Herod’s evil intent, they choose to believe the angel, and dismiss the request of the king. 

What a blessed counterpoint is Jesus to those who would deceive us. His ways are pure and good. He speaks truth. He is the embodiment of truth. He will not deceive. He has no intent to harm or condemn. And while people may stubbornly refuse to receive his love, as long as there is life, there is grace and love for us. We never have to be suspicious about his promises. 

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ² asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” ³ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. ⁸ Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” ⁹ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. ¹¹ On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. – Matthew 2:1-12 [NRSV]

Napoleon had it. So did an acquaintance from my elementary school age years – according to my mom. The Gentle Giant didn’t need it. Whether or not Bethlehem had it is not certain. But the little man complex is real. People sometimes think they must make up for their lack of stature by acting strong and boisterous. They puff their chests out. They exert their opinions. Sometimes they do so in such a manner that no one could possibly disagree with them. 

It seems, however, that Bethlehem suffered from a different malady. Bethlehem was thought to be little or of no significance. Forgettable. Inconsequential. Unimportant. Oh how sorry you are. You have no major airport. There are no shopping malls there. No megachurch. No sports team. Not a major market. You live in the shadow of the Big City. 

Regardless of how you feel about President Clinton, he did come from the little town of Hope, Arkansas. Have you ever heard of Summit, New Jersey? Meryl Streep was born there. What of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, which is home to fewer than 10,000 people? It has produced nine pro football players, including Hall of Famers Mike Ditka and Tony Dorsett. 

And there is the man after God’s own heart, King David, born in Bethlehem. And now, Jesus. A small town is not preemptive of importance of greatness. Jesus will now prove that to be the absolute embodiment of that reality. He actually is the King of the Jews. Herod notwithstanding. 

When he wrote to the church in Corinth, St. Paul said, “We have this treasure in clay jars.” He was making the point that he and all people – other than Jesus himself – are broken, imperfect beings. We’re all sinners. Cracked pots. But we carry the treasure of God’s love and message of salvation so that it becomes clear that this is God’s work, not ours. 

Do not put your trust in man, horses, gold, or fortified cities. When God is at work he can use anyone for his purposes. Thanks be to God that your birthplace nor your social status, or even your religious pedigree neither impresses God nor disqualifies you for service in his kingdom.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ² asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” ³ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. ⁸ Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” ⁹ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. ¹¹ On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. – Matthew 2:1-12 [NRSV]

I really enjoyed the musical Camelot. There are so many memorable songs, including “Ce Moi!” where Arthur proclaims, “If I’d been in the garden with Eve, we’d be in Eden still!” Not true by the way. But this little ditty is delightful:

I wonder what the king is doing tonight?
What merriment is the king pursuing tonight?
The candles at the court, they never burned as bright
I wonder what the king is upto tonight?

Then comes the answer:

Well, I’ll tell you what the king is feeling tonight
He’s numb, he shakes, he quails, he quakes
And that’s what the king is doing tonight.

Arthur was quaking and shaking because it was the night before his wedding. He had poured so much hope into this event, and now that it was upon him, he realized how momentous it really was. It terrified him.

Herod, too, was scared when he learned of the birth of “the king of the Jews.” Some might argue that Herod was not afraid, but deeply disturbed and troubled. The NRSV has “frightened” but the Greek word here is not normally used for afraid. Angels strike fear. But the birth of the “king of the Jews” causes trouble and deep disturbance in the heart of Herod. 

Look behind being “troubled” or “deeply disturbed” and you’ll find fear. I’m sure Kings never wish to be seen as fearful. But they’re likely Ok with being seen as troubled, or deeply distressed. But don’t let the kingly  demeanor fool you. Herod is scared. And rightly so. 

Jesus will challenge Herod without ever saying a word to him. His presence in the world is the beginning of the end of rule by power and threat. Herod will rule for a time, but within these few verses of Matthew’s gospel he will die and another will take his place. Jesus is ushering in an eternal kingdom. His rule and reign touches hearts and engenders love and faith. Herod can only cause others to fear him. Never will people add love and trust to their relationship with him. 

So do you wonder what King Herod is doing tonight? He’s looking over his shoulder. He’s checking his troops and servants for loyalty. He’s ordering his beefeaters to be doubly cautious and careful. He’s wondering what he’ll need to do to retain his power. But his head is not resting easily on his pillow at night. That’s a blessing that only those who fear, love, and trust in God alone will enjoy.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” ⁹ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ¹¹ And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.  – Matthew 2:1-12

There may have been three, but we really don’t know how many there were. They may have been thought of as wise men, but they are actually identified by Matthew as magi. In Greek, μάγοι, is “translated as “wise men” or “magi” depending on the English translation. This word was originally meant to refer to a class of Persian wise men that were something like priests, interpreters of special signs, and especially astrology.).” (Christianity Today)

It is highly unlikely that they were kings – although one of the most moving depictions of this event deeply touched me during a Christmas pageant at the church I served at the time. We borrowed lavish costumes from a local very large church, and three of our men dressed as kings came with their gifts. When they bowed down at Jesus’ crib, it struck me: Kings will bow to this One who is actually King of kings and Lord of lords.

Two things about this event are important to me. First: “Behold,” Matthew says. Look here! See this! Behold. Something noteworthy is happening. The Magi have come to Jerusalem. Pay attention: There are those who set a great example for us, by going to great lengths to worship the newborn king. And so today (although never should this be a matter that makes celebrities more important than ordinary folks), when notable people worship Jesus it does make an impression. 

More important, however, is the purpose for which these magi are seeking Jesus. They want to worship him. They recognize a Greater King. The birth of a mightier and more worthy Lord has been revealed to them. They will go to great lengths to worship him. But as notable and wise, dedicated and exemplary as they may be, they are worshiping One who is far greater and more worthy, wise, dedicated, and notable than they. And even though Herod will seek to destroy this One who he deems a threat to his throne, he will not succeed. And even he will acknowledge one day that Jesus Christ is Lord. The king will worship this King who at that time was newborn, but nevertheless a true king. 

So take note. Wise men are here. They have undertaken a great effort to come to worship. Perhaps that is the true gift of the magi: to help us recognize that Jesus is worthy of that even today.