What does it mean that God reveals himself to the Gentiles? What is Epiphany?

Epiphany is God revealing himself to the Gentiles, so that everyone may come to know and worship him. Epiphany is God making himself known.

Matthew’s Gospel account tells us “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” (Matthew 2:1-2, ESV).

What is the wisdom that the wisest seek? How can we determine the true wisdom and treasure of all people?

Wise people seek wisdom through seeking to know and to worship God.

The Proverbs teaches “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV).

Matthew’s Gospel account tells us, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2, ESV).

What is more innocent than a little child? How significant is it that God became a little child? What does it mean that we are to receive the kingdom like a child?

Children are most innocent. Children are humble, trusting, receptive, and completely dependent. God love’s children and sets them as an example for us.

Jesus, who himself became a child, said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, ESV).

When Jesus was born, King Herod the Great was threatened and wanted to kill Jesus. He tried to convince the wise men to lead him to Jesus, but they tricked him, and he became furious. King Herod had all the male children in Bethlehem killed, and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had discerned from the wise men.

Who was the Apostle John? What light did John shine, and upon whom did he shine that light?

John was the youngest of the disciples of Jesus, one of the sons of Zebedee, and the brother of James the Apostle. Both John and James were fishermen, following in the footsteps of their father Zebedee, who was a successful fisherman (Matthew 4:20-22).

John was the closest disciple to Jesus and was one of the inner three disciples. He was the only disciple at the crucifixion, and was the author of the Gospel of John, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Revelation.

Who has God come to ransom? What does it mean that God has come to ransom and to redeem his people?

God speaks to the nations and calls his people to himself from wherever they are scattered.

During the time of exile God spoke to the nations about gathering his scattered people back to himself. God gathers and keeps his people as a shepherd keeps his flock. God purchases his people out of exile. God ransoms his people. God redeems his people from the strength of their enemies.

God spoke through the Prophet Jeremiah, saying, “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’ For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.” (Jeremiah 3:10-11, ESV).

What does the light of Jesus shining in the darkness of this world accomplish? How does the light of God illuminate hope and restoration in this life?

In the middle of darkness and brokenness, God desires to give his light, hope and restoration to every land and nation.

Isaiah prophesied, saying, “There will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.” (Isaiah 9:1, ESV).

What did Jesus come to do when he was born into this world over two thousand years ago?

The old hymn “What Child Is This?” poses this same question of Jesus: “What child is this, who, laid to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?”

Jesus was no ordinary child. Jesus is the the Christ Child, the Anointed One, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Messiah of God, the Prince of Peace, who had come to save his people from their sin and to bring life and peace to his people on earth.

What does it mean that God took on our humanity and lived with his people? What are the implications of Jesus taking on flesh?

The incarnation is about God living with us, as one of us. Jesus came in the flesh so that we can experience intimacy with him, and so that he would redeem us by living a perfect life and by dying a sinner’s death.

The Apostle John wrote of the incarnation, God appearing in human flesh, saying, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, ESV).

What is the nativity? What does it look like for Jesus, God incarnate, to be laid in a manger in a household stable?

God gave his only-begotten Son, who took our nature upon himself, and was born of a pure virgin. Saint Athanasius said, "Christ became what we are so that He might make us like Him."

The Gospel of Luke tells us, "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7, ESV).

Why was Jesus born into this world? What was the purpose of God taking on human form and coming to live here among us?

Jesus came to bring salvation to everyone. Jesus was born into this world to save everyone.

Jesus took on human flesh to live a perfect life and to die a sinner’s death to bring life to all people through his sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension.

In Luke’s gospel account, an angel proclaimed to lowly and outcast shepherds, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11, ESV).

What do we know about Joseph from Matthew 1:18-25?

Joseph was a man of character and integrity. Joseph was engaged to Mary, but did not live with her before marriage (1:18).

Joseph was a righteous man (1:19).

Joseph was a man of peace and quiet judgement. Having discovered his soon to be wife—Mary was pregnant, Joseph was unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, but planned to dismiss her quietly (1:19).

Joseph cared more about character and honor than he did about money. Joseph was willing to protect Mary, and to forfeit the bride price he paid, and his father-in-law’s monetary gift, most likely given at betrothal, by not having a public trial (1:19).

What does exercising righteousness look like? How are we to be faithful when we encounter disappointments, the unknown and the uncertain?

It takes integrity, righteousness, and faith to do what is right when we encounter difficulties and challenges which we cannot understand or see clearly.

This righteous faith was the case with Joseph when he encountered the dynamics around Jesus’ birth. Joseph had a real crisis of faith and integrity concerning the circumstances of Jesus’ birth, and Joseph did what was right when he encountered God’s call.

What does it look like to have faith in the face of our fear? How should we respond to God’s difficult call?

Joseph was a man of great faith. In the face of fear and uncertainty, Joseph was invited to have faith and he acted in faith and obedience despite of his fear.

Matthew’s gospel tells us “the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:20-21, ESV).

What does it look like to have God’s hand upon our life? What does God’s hand bring about in our life?

The Psalmist writes of God’s hand being with his people, saying, “Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” (Psalm 8:18-19, ESV).

What do we anticipate from God at his coming? What does God plan for his children in sending Jesus?

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of God’s Advent, saying, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV).

God’s blessing and sign of love for us is the presence of Jesus born into the world through the Virgin Mary.

What does a restored land look like? When God makes everything new again, how will we experience life?

God spoke through his prophet Isaiah about fertility coming out of the wilderness and dry land. He spoke of gladness from drought and blossoming deserts. Creation will rejoice and sing at the fruit that God will bring.

Isaiah prophesied, “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.” (Isaiah 35:1-2, ESV).

What is it that we are waiting for? When the Lord comes again, what fruitfulness will he bring with him?

If we wait patiently and endure, fruitful days are ahead of us at the second coming of the Lord.

James, the half brother of Jesus, wrote, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:7-9, ESV).

What highway does God call his redeemed to travel? What does the pathway of holiness look like? What does it look like for us to walk as the redeemed of God?

The pathway of God is not like the pathways of this world. God’s highway is one of holiness. The redeemed of God walk in God’s way.

Isaiah spoke of God’s highway of holiness and his restoration, saying, “The burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.” (Isaiah 35:7-9, ESV).

What does it look like to have the revitalization and restoration of God in this desert life? When restoration is fully realized in this world, what will it look like?

God will restore the brokenness and barrenness of this fallen world. There will come a time when the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame made whole, the mute will speak, and dry and barren land will become a fertile garden again.

The Prophet Isaiah told of the coming restoration, saying, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” (Isaiah 35:5-6, ESV).

Do you long for renewal? Do you look for a time where sorrows are replaced with joy and gladness?

This sin damaged world can be filled with brokenness and pain. We long for the renewal of all things where God will restore and renew all things—a time where God will give us his joy and gladness.

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of this time of renewal when he proclaimed, “The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10, ESV).