Matthew 2:1-12 - What do you bring with you?
This morning’s sermon is a simple one. Let us compare and contrast the attitudes of the Magi - or Wise Men-- and King Herod toward Jesus, and in so doing, consider our own attitudes towards others. Herod believed in the news about Jesus birth. How did he react? Along with the scribes and the pharisees. The Wise Men believed in the news about Jesus, How did they react? they wanted to adore Jesus, offer him gifts, well-being, and love. When Herod set out to find Jesus, what was his intention? [In order to ensure the death of Jesus, he sent his men to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under.] When the Wise Men set out to find Jesus, what was their intention? Is it a wonder that the three visitors from the east - Gentiles, outsiders - are called wise? What is a word that might be used to describe Herod? At the risk of creating a dualistic image, I want to draw upon these contrasting images of the Wise Men and Foolish Herod and consider our own interactions with others. What do we bring when we go on a visit? What do we bring when we run into someone? What do we bring when we come to church, or go to a place where people are gathered? What do we offer through our correspondence...and email, a phone call, a text message? Joy, Love, Appreciation, even Adoration in our hearts when we knock on the door? Can our presence bring dread? Oh no, it’s so and so...
This morning’s sermon is a simple one. Let us compare and contrast the attitudes of the Magi - or Wise Men-- and King Herod toward Jesus, and in so doing, consider our own attitudes towards others. Herod believed in the news about Jesus birth. How did he react? Along with the scribes and the pharisees. The Wise Men believed in the news about Jesus, How did they react? they wanted to adore Jesus, offer him gifts, well-being, and love. When Herod set out to find Jesus, what was his intention? [In order to ensure the death of Jesus, he sent his men to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under.] When the Wise Men set out to find Jesus, what was their intention? Is it a wonder that the three visitors from the east - Gentiles, outsiders - are called wise? What is a word that might be used to describe Herod? At the risk of creating a dualistic image, I want to draw upon these contrasting images of the Wise Men and Foolish Herod and consider our own interactions with others. What do we bring when we go on a visit? What do we bring when we run into someone? What do we bring when we come to church, or go to a place where people are gathered? What do we offer through our correspondence...and email, a phone call, a text message? Joy, Love, Appreciation, even Adoration in our hearts when we knock on the door? Can our presence bring dread? Oh no, it’s so and so...
