Matthew 2:1-12
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Pastor Tom Johnson, January 6, 2019
Today is Epiphany which means manifestation. And here it is the mystery of the promised Messiah being made known or manifested through the signs, Scripture, and people of God. Paul uses the word mystery four times in our Scripture today. The word in the Greek New Testament is musterion so our English word comes directly from the Bible. A mystery is something formerly unknown but now revealed. In some traditions such as the Eastern Orthodox church they refer to the Scriptures, Baptism, and Holy Communion not as the Sacraments but as the Mysteries. For in God’s Word and through his gifts God reveals his love for us in Jesus. Paul talks about his own ministry as the mystery being made known to him so that he can make the mystery made known to both Jews and Gentiles so that everyone in the world would have the assurance of God’s love and grace. This is the way God works throughout the ages since creation, Paul says. We see that in the mystery of the birth of Messiah, the wise men who ask where the child king is, and King Herod who inquires about this child for fear of losing his power. The wise men search diligently for the child who is hidden away in Bethlehem. God uses the Scriptures, the Star, and the people of God to lead them to Jesus—to make known the mystery to these people who worship him as the King of kings.
Our Scripture from Ephesians reminds us of God’s plan for us. We not only benefit from God’s revealed mysteries but also participate in manifesting and making known the love God and the good news of Jesus to the whole world. The Gospel ministry is about making known the person and work of Jesus. It is something that has gradually been revealed through the ages since creation. Our calling is to show all people the riches they and we have in Christ and that everyone has access to God through him. I like the word mystery because it reminds us that we do not have everything figured out. Being a believer in Jesus does not mean we have all the answers to every question. Being a Christian does not mean we have everything figured out. We look back and see there was mystery about when the Messiah was to be born and what he would do with his life and work on earth. Jesus remained mysterious because he did not fulfill expectations as an earthly king or revolutionary or freedom fighter against foreign powers and Roman occupation. Jesus did not become the world leader they wanted. He did not bring military and political stability to the world as they hoped. Instead, he made known God’s love for the world through his teaching, death on the cross, and rising again from the dead.
God works in mysterious ways. God chooses Saul, a persecutor and enemy of the Church to be his servant. He renames him Paul. It is why he calls himself “the very least of all the saints.” God calls him to make known the mystery of Jesus to those who have never even heard of the promise of the Messiah—the Gentiles. And in the wonder and mystery of God, he reveals himself to you and me. It is humbling. Because we have not done anything to deserve such a privilege and joy. Our Scripture says it comes from God’s boundless riches and grace.
The word mystery should remind us that we too are on a journey of discovery—just like the Wise Men from the East and the Apostle Paul himself. We do not have everything figured out. We still have many unanswered questions. It should also humble us that we will always have things to learn until Jesus fully reveals his glory. And it should give us joy to always be growing, learning, and discovering just how deep and wide the boundless riches of Christ are for us. We know enough of the mystery of Christ to have the full assurance of God’s love, forgiveness, and eternal life. The mystery of the eternal Son of God giving his life on the cross and rising again from the dead has been revealed. We know enough of the mystery of Christ to fully participate in making him known. Every time we share our hope and faith in Jesus, we participate in making him known. This is God’s mission and plan: that everyone would know we have access to him—a relationship with God our creator by faith in Jesus.
O Let the harps break forth in sound!
Our joy be all with music crowned,
Our voices gladly blending!
For Christ goes with us all the way—
Today, tomorrow, ev’ry day!
His love is never ending!
Sing out! Ring out!
Jubilation!
Exultation!
Tell the story!
Great is He, the King of Glory! (“O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright,” LSB 395 v. 5)
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