Epiphany Sunday: This, This

Sermon Summary: This Epiphany sermon explores the journey of the Magi as a model for Christian discipleship in our contemporary world. The pastor emphasizes that God's revelation comes to those who are genuinely seeking, even those far from traditional religious contexts. The sermon wrestles with the reality that troubles persist despite Jesus' arrival, acknowledging that Jesus himself became a refugee. Yet it proclaims that only a God who shares our pain can transform it. The message calls the congregation to remain open to God's direction, to reach those far from the church, and to recognize Jesus as the new Moses who frees us from all forms of slavery—addiction, isolation, destructive thinking patterns. The appropriate response to God's revelation is submission, offering ourselves completely, and experiencing the overwhelming joy that comes from placing our hope fully in Christ.

Key Points:

- God reveals Himself in surprising ways to unexpected people, demonstrating the universality of the Gospel

- The Magi were seekers—educated, spiritual people open to God's direction and willing to travel and change

- We must maintain openness to God's ongoing revelation in our lives through prayer and Scripture

- The church must continually ask how to capture the attention of those far from faith, speaking in relevant language that addresses real needs

- Jesus is the new and greater Moses who frees us from all forms of slavery and oppression

- Modern slaveries include addiction, isolation, screen dependency, and destructive thought patterns

- The proper response to encountering Christ is threefold: kneeling in submission, offering our gifts, and committing ourselves fully

- True joy comes when we place our complete hope in Jesus and say "I'm all in"

- God's revelation should transform our identity, not merely provide interesting information

Scripture Reference:

- Matthew 2:1-23 (The visit of the Magi, the flight to Egypt, and the massacre of the innocents)

- References to prophetic fulfillment including Micah 5:2, Hosea 11:1, and Jeremiah 31:15

Stories:

- The journey of the Magi from the East following the star to find the newborn King

- The Magi's encounter with King Herod and their warning in a dream to return by another route

- Joseph's dream warning him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod's murderous intent

- The massacre of the innocents ordered by Herod in Bethlehem

- The Holy Family's time as refugees in Egypt until Herod's death

- The return to Israel and settlement in Nazareth

- The implicit connection to Moses' story as a parallel to Jesus' narrative (Egypt, escape from a murderous ruler, deliverance of God's people)