January 15, 2026

Matthew 2:1-2

The King of the Jews

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod, Magic from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and came to worship him.’

Dear Readers,

The “Feast of the Epiphany” is celebrated worldwide. Even postage stamps depict these mysterious figures. They are usually portrayed in a very imaginative way. Today I would like to show you a British stamp with three kings on their way to Bethlehem. The majestic horseman at the head points to heaven, to the star that is leading the group on their way to Bethlehem.

Over the course of church history, the biblical wise men have become known as three kings. Unfortunately, the reason for their journey is often forgotten! The wise men are on their way to worship the newborn King of the Jews. They are looking for Jesus, to honor him. The Messiah.

But the star first leads the wise men to Jerusalem and not to the birthplace in  Bethlehem. Why this detour? A hint at the end of King Jesus? Years later, outside the gates of Jerusalem, they crucified the King of the Jews. The Evangelist Matthew recounts how they tortured Jesus before his execution (Matthew 27:27-28):

„Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him off his clothes and put a scarlet robe on him and then twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They also gave a staff into his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail to you, the king of the Jews!’ they said. They spat on him and took the staff and struck him on his head again and again.”

Then Pilate, the Governor had a tablet made, to be placed at the top of the cross: It read: INRI. This is the Latin abbreviation for "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum," that is, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews (John 19:19).

It would be disheartening if this had been the end of the story of Jesus, the King of the Jews. But his story continues for all eternity! Jesus rose from the dead! Through his resurrection, he conquered death and brought imperishable life. Jesus lives for eternity. He says of himself in the Book of Revelation, 22:16:

„I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.“

The earthly morning star shines brightly in the morning sky. Jesus Christ, the heavenly morning star however, shines for everyone who is looking for him and seeks him. Day and night. The wise men or kings sought him then and found him. Whoever seeks Jesus Christ and his bright light will find him. The stamp-bearing king at the head of the equestrian group points to the star. I personally interpret his gesture as follows: look to Jesus, the bright morning star! Then all darkness will end!

Thank you for visiting and listening. I would be delighted if you would join me again for my next short sermon on February 1st. May God bless you and keep you in spirit, soul, and body. May the Lord Jesus, the bright morning star, enlighten your heart.