Tuesday 6 January 2026

Psalm 72

Background

Today, 6 January, is Epiphany, which is why we travel to Bethlehem with the magi.

Nearly all the carol services and nativity plays I have attended bring together the newborn Jesus, Mary, Joseph (and the donkey), the shepherds, and the wise men all together in the stable, often while children sing 'Away in a manger'.

But this is not the story the gospel writers tell. Mark's Gospel launches with John the Baptist preaching repentance and John's Gospel begins with a philosophical and theological reflection on the nature of God. (chapter 1) The shepherds appear in Luke's Gospel (2:8-20); while the wise men from the East (the magi) feature in Matthew's account (2:1-12). Luke's Gospel focuses on the poor, the homeless and the outsiders, while Matthew's account tells us about royalty, wealthy foreigners and the politics of power.

The first chapter in Matthew's Gospel is a lengthy genealogy, placing Jesus in a family tree leading back to King David and to Abraham himself, the father of the Jewish nation. Chapter 2 reminds us that the story of God’s relationship with us is always located in a real time and place, with real people. The magi (who were wise men, not kings – the idea of kings comes from a later application of Psalm 72:10-11 to the Christmas story) have come following a star to find a new king. The first word spoken by them – or anyone – in Matthew’s Gospel is ‘Where?’ (v. 2) Matthew is inviting us on a journey, if only we are curious enough to follow.

You might notice that in Matthew’s story Jesus is born in Bethlehem, whereas in Luke’s story he is born in Nazareth. Where was he really born? Is it possible to know? Does it matter? Our ‘where?’ is not about geography. It is a question about meaning – where is Jesus in our lives?

This story also invites us to consider how people respond to the coming of Jesus into the world. The magi were willing to head off on a long pilgrimage with an uncertain outcome, because they sensed something amazing and unusual was happening and they wanted to be part of it. King Herod was ‘frightened’ (NRSV) or ‘disturbed’ (NIV) – a man who sees Jesus as a challenge to his power and status.

Verse 12 also reminds us that these differing responses have consequences – frightened and disturbed people will, in the end, bring Jesus to his death on the cross.

To Ponder:

• Are we more likely to encounter Jesus among outsiders like the shepherds, who were the gig economy workers of their day? Or among the wealthy and the powerful?
• When have you set off on a journey with an uncertain outcome? What did you find?
• The magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. What can I give him, poor as I am?

Prayer
Travelling God, you invite us on a journey. It begins here and now, in the real world, in the places where we live and work. The end is uncertain. The consequences may be challenging. But still you call, and still we follow. No-one is too obscure, too poor or too wealthy to join the travelling band of pilgrims. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Val Reid
Val Reid is a retired presbyter who lives in Salisbury. She is a reflective supervisor and spiritual director, and has recently trained as a mediator with Place for Hope.