A Very Different Road

"Recent scholarly research has definitively proven that the Magi were undoubtedly women.  There is no other way to explain the fact that they stopped and ask for directions." ~Anonymous

The story of the Magi (or the three Wise Men) is one of two scriptural accounts of the birth of Christ. In 288 words, the Gospel writer known as Matthew provides a remarkable allegory of our modern day search for Christ.  It is the story of a group of intelligent and well-to-do people searching for a new direction in their lives.  A magus (singular) is a practitioner of magic, including astrology, alchemy and “other wisdom.”  We assume they were men, but they could just as easily have been women.

The Magi set out to find new meaning in their lives — to find a “new born King,” to have an epiphany: “A new perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive realization.”

With all their wealth and intelligence, the Magi’s search is not an easy one.  They struggle to find the baby Jesus (the Messiah).  Their search undoubtedly took months, requiring intelligence and persistence, not to mention money. 

This is in sharp contrast to Luke’s depiction of the poor shepherds who do not have to “read the stars,” do research, ask directions from a king, or set out on an extensive, costly journey.  The poor shepherds get the message first-hand, up close and personal, complete with a heavenly choir.  There is a subtle message here that brains and bucks are not the answer to our salvation.  Property, possessions, and position can often be obstacles to our seeing life’s simple truths, creating detours on the road to eternal life.

Initially the Magi’s understanding is somewhat vague; they detect a star in the east (which is not enough for map quest).  They see a glimmer of the truth, but have not yet grasped the meaning, the direction.

This does not stop them however.  Not only are the Magi smart and affluent, they are connected.  When they cannot find the Messiah, rather than turn to God for help, they begin “networking.” They make an appointment with King Herod. 

King Herod’s response is to form a committee: “Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born” (Matthew 2:4).  In a contemporary setting, this part of the story would likely take place in a board room, at a large conference table, surrounded by a bunch of “suits.”

The networking produces the desired information: the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem. The information does, however, come with a price; the Magi leave with promises made and strings attached. "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him" (Matthew 2:8).  Even 2,000 years ago, knowledge was power.

At this point in the story, something remarkable happens. “After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was” (Matthew 2:9).

Once they leave behind the bright lights of the city and the King… Once they are on their way to Bethlehem… Once they follow the star, not the crowd and not their intellects, things begin to change:  They are no longer trying to lead, but are being led. 

We all have control issues, many of which arise out of fear.  Those of us who deny God often do so in an effort to get God out of the way.  If God does not exist, it means we are in control… Or we think we are.  Once the Magi leave the world of power, of intellect, of money and influence – once they relinquish control and turn toward Bethlehem – their lives fundamentally change.  God takes over;the star appears and leads them.

Now that they were on the right road, the Magi “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10). Thanksgiving is an important part of our faith and of stewardship.  All of God’s gifts, such as a spiritual awakening, should be received with gratitude. 

Finally arriving in Bethlehem they find Mary and Jesus. The Magi’s response is that they “fell to the ground and worshiped Him” (Matthew 2:11). This unqualified act of faith is also remarkable.  These contemporary intellectuals, who are practitioners of the sciences of their day, had fundamentally relied on their knowledge and influence (at least until they allowed the star to lead them) to get them this far.  When they encounter the Messiah, they do not find a king per se. 

What they find is a poor family holed up in a cave.  The “new king” is a baby lying in a feeding trough.  Most of us would probably begin second-guessing ourselves, but the Magi immediately prostrate themselves and “worship Him.”  This is faith in a very pure form.  Rationality does not get in the way.  There is no demand for an explanation.  They do not ask why and do not hesitate.

After reverencing Jesus, they present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.   Why is it we do not know the names of the Magi (from scripture anyway), but we do know the names of their gifts? 

What does this imply?  Is it that we need to be careful not to allow ourselves to be defined by what we own, rather than who we are?  Is it a caution about the dangers of possessions?  Does it foreshadow some of Jesus’ later teachings in which He carefully warns us not to seek recognition when we give or pray, and cautions that these things are better done in private? 

Or, is it because God loves us all uniformly, intensely, without qualification, to the point of anonymity? In other words, it matters not to God who we are; He loves us just the same.  From our side of the relationship, what is important is what we return to God – our “gold, frankincense, and myrrh” which are our “treasure, talent and time”.

In the end, “the magi left for their own country by another way.”   Having experienced Christ, having encountered Christ in acts of thanksgiving, gratitude, sacrifice, prayer, worship and stewardship, the Magi’s lives are forever changed.  They have had their epiphany.  Their lives have been changed by their search for, and encounter with, the Christ Child. They go home a different way; their lives take a different road. 

Dear God, save me from this road I’m on.  Lead me home by a different road.

“Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on.” 

“Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood

© 2009 & 2012 James E. Carper.  All rights reserved.

“90 Second Stewardship”   All rights are reserved.  You are welcome and encouraged to forward this e-mail to family and friends provided the”© 2011 James E. Carper.  All rights reserved.” is included along with this message.  Organizations, whether for or non profit, are required to receive written approval before reproducing these reflections.  If written approval is given the ”© 2011 James E. Carper.  All rights reserved.” must be included along with this message.