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For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6.21 Dear Heavenly Father, help us to examine our hearts and our priorities, to recognize what we truly value and treasure. May our desires align with your kingdom and your righteousness, so that our hearts will be firmly anchored in you. Keep us from being swayed by the fleeting treasures of this world, which can never satisfy.
Teach us to invest our time, energy, and resources in what matters eternally. Fill our hearts with a longing for your presence and your ways, knowing that the true treasure is found in a relationship with you. May our lives be a reflection of where our treasure lies. May we find joy and contentment in pursuing you above all else.
In the name of Jesus, our greatest treasure, we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned now for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Mary's voice was a reassuring balm to the child's cries. Her hands were gentle as she wrapped Jesus in her arms and swayed him back and forth. Her voice hummed alongside the crackling fire in their humble home.
Jesus' tiny eyes glistened in the warm glow. Joseph was by the fire, his eyes dancing with the flames, a momentary refuge from the labors of life. He had toiled all day with the stonemasons while Mary and Jesus walked through the marketplace. Their single room was a sanctuary for all of them, a refuge from the cold night outside, filled with the warmth of love.
Joseph's eyes found Mary's, and he approached her, gently kissing her forehead before touching his lips to the baby's nose. A cool escaped Jesus' lips, and the new parents' faces lit up with joy. In the chaotic storm of parenting, these tranquil moments were a glimpse of heaven's peace. Hello and welcome to another episode of the Stories of the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the Jewish Jesus.
It has been a joy following the highs and the lows of this renowned Christmas tale with you. Today, we glimpse an intimate scene between the Magi and Jesus. The story of the Magi visiting Jesus is more than a picturesque scene. It's a spiritual lesson on true royalty, meaningful worship, and heartfelt giving. The Magi have followed the star, gotten word that their child must be in Bethlehem,
and are about to behold the majesty of Jesus. In case any of you were curious about the timeline of these events, the Magi most likely visited Jesus when he was between 6 and 18 months old. No doubt Joseph procured a job in town, waiting for the right moment to return to Nazareth. This episode is quiet, warm, and profound. But make no mistake, it's the calm before the final storm. Let's begin.
Mary, Joseph and Jesus shared a tender moment in the warmth of their humble home. The crackling of fire intermixed with the chirping of crickets outside. Jesus was calm now, eyes fixed on his mother. Mary and Joseph were in constant awe of him. His eyes reflected promise, hope and love. He was only an infant, but their knowledge of who he was caused them to look at him differently.
Although, they occasionally forgot when it was time to feed him, change him, or remain up all night with him. Son of God or not, an infant was an infant. But for now, all was quiet and peaceful. Suddenly, a knock jarred them from their moment of bliss. Joseph's eyes narrowed, his hands reaching instinctively for his chisel.
Who would be visiting at this hour? The knocking grew insistent and Joseph's heartbeat quickened, a drum of war readying him to protect his family. He gestured for Mary to step back as he approached the door, the chisel hidden and ready to strike. He opened the door and immediately cocked his head in confusion. Three men adorned in rich and resplendent robes stood before him.
The jewels from their headdresses gleamed like stars. "May I help you?" Joseph asked, confused and off-kilter. "We have journeyed far," Caspar smiled with his eyes. "To worship the king," he said with his grizzled and low voice. Joseph's breath caught in his throat. He glanced back at Merry, his eyes wide with disbelief, before gesturing for the men to step in.
The child was cradled in Mary's arms, hand firmly grasping her finger. The Magi entered slowly and with great respect. Their grandeur and extravagant clothes starkly contrasted Joseph and Mary's humble home. But as their eyes fell on Jesus, all sense of status and wealth faded.
These three men, who bowed to no one, fell prostrate onto the floor before him, their faces pressed to the ground, voices quivering with awe. "It is an honor, our king," Caspar whispered, his voice a gentle breeze. "We have followed the star, and it led us to you."
Melchior announced in reverence,
Caspar brought out a small wooden chest with silver engravings. He opened the chest to reveal dozens of gold pieces shimmering in the firelight. Gold for a king, he said softly, laying it at Mary's feet. Melchior brought out a glass flask of refined oil. Frankincense, he said with reverence, for the divine. Belshazzar brought out a linen bag of resin, glimmering nearly as bright as the gold. And
He concluded with a soft voice. The three magi lingered there for a while. Words failed them, for they had a sense that this moment was more profound than they would ever realize. After a final bow, the men rose, their faces etched with reverence and gratitude. "We must go," Baushasar said, his voice heavy with reluctance. They departed, their souls forever changed, leaving behind a blessing that lingered in the air.
Joseph and Mary retreated to their bed, their hearts heavy with awe. They watched Jesus sleep, his face a picture of serenity, a reflection of God's grace. The Magi returned to their caravan with sober reflection on the tip of their tongues. "'What have we just witnessed?' Melchior asked with a sigh. Kaspar shook his head in disbelief. "'A God's chosen king in a small home tucked in the hills of Bethlehem?'
"Was not King David such a child too? He hailed from Bethlehem, and see how great he became." Melchior replied. Belshazzar was more serious, keeping his eyes fixed on Jerusalem. He had a pit in his stomach ever since leaving Herod's palace. "He will become greater than David," Belshazzar said.
That night, the men slept soundly in the ornate tents pitched outside Bethlehem. The entire caravan was at peace, except Belshazzar. He tossed under the blankets, tormented by visions of fire and blood.
The sound of infant screams surrounded him before he woke up in a panic. Sweat beat down his forehead. He lit his torch and woke his companions. "We must go, now!" he insisted. "Herod can never know of what we have witnessed."
We must leave before he has the chance to follow us. The Magi agreed to travel into the night, retreating far away from Herod's sight. Something sinister was at work, but they knew they had witnessed the beginning of a story that would change the world. A story of love, sacrifice and redemption.
In the quiet of the night, they felt the hand of God guiding them, assuring them that they were a part of a grand design, a tapestry woven with threads of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The story of the Magi's visitation to the infant Jesus is a profound reminder of the nature of true royalty. It's not in the splendor of garments or the accumulation of wealth, but in righteousness.
The Magi, adorned with jewels and dressed in royal robes, journeyed far to bow down to Jesus. These were wise men, kings in their own right, who recognized a king in a child wrapped in swaddling clothes. In a humble dwelling, they found a royalty that surpassed all the worldly riches they possessed. Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a stable, not a palace. His throne was a manger, not a seat adorned with gold and precious stones.
This story invites us to reflect on our own perception of greatness and success. Are we captivated by the glitter of worldly success? Or the true royalty found in righteousness, humility, and service to others? Jesus's kingship challenges the world's understanding of power and prestige, leading us to a new way of living. The Magi, filled with awe and reverence, give three famous gifts to Jesus.
The gifts that the Magi presented to Jesus were not arbitrary. Each had a symbolic significance. Gold symbolizing Jesus's royalty. Gold reminds us that Christ is the king of all creation. Gold as a royal medal pointed to Jesus's dominion and reign. Gold is a pure metal and is valued above all others. Frankincense representing Jesus's divinity.
Frankincense was used in worship and portrayed Jesus as God incarnate. It speaks of his heavenly origin and his role as our eternal high priest. Myrrh, alluding to Jesus' eventual death, myrrh was used for embalming bodies. Even at his birth, the shadow of the cross loomed, and this gift prophetically pointed to a sacrificial death. These gifts were not just valuable, but full of meaning.
connected with the identity and mission of Jesus. They remind us that our worship and gifts to him should be thoughtful and profound, reflecting our understanding of who he is. We are reminded of the Magi's offerings to Jesus as we exchange gifts during Christmas. Our gifts are symbols of love, kindness, and joy. But let's also remember the true gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ.
The connection between the Magi's gifts and our Christmas presents lies in the heart behind the giving. Let our gifts be expressions of our love for one another, mirroring the love God showed us by sending his son. Whether richly adorned like the Magi or simple and humble, let our giving be sincere, reflecting the values and virtues of Christ's kingdom.
As we celebrate Christmas, may we bow down before Jesus, our righteous King, with hearts full of worship and hands filled with love. May our gifts reflect His love, His sacrifice, and His redemption. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The Magi story invites us to treasure Jesus above all else.
May this Christmas season be a time to draw near to him, discover his love anew, and share it with those around us.