The Magi & A Gospel of Grace - Matthew 2:1-12 Sermon - Fr. Nathan R. Hale

Dear DMAC Family & Friends,

The Bible is our highest authority for faith and practice. It is God's special revelation to us regarding his Son Jesus Christ, and contains all things necessary for salvation. 

As Anglican Christians, we have a high view of Scripture, and expect faithful preaching and accurate teaching from those authorized to do so.

In that spirit, I want to issue a correction in regards to something I said in last week's sermon. 

Commenting on Matthew 2:1-12 (the story of the Wise Men) I said that the Wise Men quoted a prophecy from Micah to King Herod, and I used this to support the idea that the Wise Men were likely familiar with Hebrew Scriptures.

Although it is true that many believe the Wise Men would have studied Old Testament prophecies, I was factually wrong in stating that the Wise Men quoted a passage of Scripture to Herod.

Here's the verse I was commenting on:

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet...” (Matthew 2:3–5, ESV)

It's clearly the chief priests and scribes that quote Micah to Herod, not the Wise Men! 

This is confirmed via the narrative context as well, as the Wise Men and Herod are asking similar questions--"Where is the Messiah/King to be born?" with "Bethlehem" being the answer give to Herod and then relayed to the Wise Men at a later meeting.

I don't think this particular mistake affects the interpretation I offered for the passage, since there are other biblical reasons to think the Magi knew the Scriptures--namely, their possible historical connection with the prophet Daniel.

Nevertheless, carefully reading the text and accurately communicating what the text actually says is absolutely essential to my job as preacher, and I messed up on both counts in my sermon on this point. 

Please forgive me for my failure in reading closely, and the resulting factual error in my sermon. 

Blessings,
Fr. Nathan+

 

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