TRV
EpiphanyThe Manifestation of Christ
Introduction
Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, traditionally focusing on the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. The word "epiphany" means "manifestation" or "appearance"—a revealing of something previously hidden. While the shepherds who visited Jesus at his birth were Jews, the Magi were Gentiles from the East, representing the nations of the world. Their journey to worship the newborn King signifies that salvation is not limited to Israel but extends to all peoples. Epiphany celebrates the universal scope of the gospel: Jesus came as the light of the world, not just for one nation but for every tribe, tongue, and people.
The Journey of the Magi
Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." These Magi were likely astrologers or scholars from Persia or Babylon who studied the heavens. God providentially used a supernatural star to guide these Gentile seekers to the Messiah.
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Matthew 2:1-2
KJV
When King Herod heard about the birth of a rival king, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. He gathered the chief priests and scribes to inquire where the Christ was to be born. They answered from Micah's prophecy: Bethlehem of Judea. Herod then secretly called the Magi and sent them to Bethlehem, deceitfully asking them to report back so he too could worship the child—though his true intention was murder.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
Matthew 2:3-8
KJV
The star went before the Magi until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9-11
KJV
These gifts were both valuable and symbolic. Gold befitted a king, acknowledging Jesus's royal status. Frankincense was used in temple worship, recognizing his deity and priestly role. Myrrh was used for embalming, foreshadowing his death. The Magi's gifts prophetically declared who Jesus was and what he came to do.
Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, the Magi departed to their own country by another way. An angel also warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, as Herod would seek to destroy the child. This flight to Egypt and subsequent return fulfilled Hosea's prophecy, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Matthew 2:12-15
KJV
The Light of the World
Isaiah prophesied that the people who walked in darkness would see a great light, and on those dwelling in a land of deep darkness, a light would dawn. This prophecy was fulfilled in Christ. Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Isaiah 9:2
KJV
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12
KJV
John's Gospel emphasizes that the true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. In Jesus was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Christ illuminates our spiritual blindness, reveals truth, and guides us in the way of life.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:4-5
KJV
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John 1:9
KJV
Isaiah also prophesied that nations would come to the light of God's glory. "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." While darkness covers the earth and thick darkness the peoples, the Lord will arise upon his people, and his glory will be seen upon them. Nations will come to this light, and kings to the brightness of the dawn.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Isaiah 60:1-3
KJV
Salvation for All Nations
From the beginning, God's plan included all nations. He promised Abraham, "In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." The Messiah would not only redeem Israel but bring blessing to every people group on earth. The Magi's visit was an early fulfillment of this promise.
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Genesis 12:3
KJV
Simeon, holding the infant Jesus in the temple, prophesied that this child was "a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Salvation would extend beyond ethnic Israel to encompass the Gentile nations. This was the mystery hidden for ages but now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory, available to both Jew and Gentile.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32
KJV
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
After his resurrection, Jesus commissioned his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Great Commission is inherently global. The gospel is for every nation, tribe, people, and tongue. The church's mission is to take the light of Christ to every dark corner of the world.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20
KJV
Breaking Down the Dividing Wall
Paul explains that in Christ, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile has been broken down. Through the cross, Christ has created one new humanity out of two, making peace and reconciling both to God in one body. Gentiles who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female—all are one in Christ Jesus. If we belong to Christ, we are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. The gospel obliterates ethnic, social, and gender barriers, uniting all believers in one body.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The mystery of the gospel, Paul declares, is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. This was not revealed to previous generations but has now been made known through the apostles and prophets by the Spirit. The church is God's masterpiece, displaying his manifold wisdom to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Ephesians 3:6
KJV
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Ephesians 3:10
KJV
The Baptism of Jesus
Some traditions also commemorate Jesus's baptism on Epiphany, as another manifestation of his identity. When Jesus was baptized, heaven was opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father's voice declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The Trinity was revealed, and Jesus was publicly identified as the Messiah.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:16-17
KJV
John the Baptist testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him... This is the Son of God." Jesus's baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry and displayed his identification with sinners. Though sinless himself, he stood in solidarity with fallen humanity, taking his place in the waters of repentance.
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
John 1:32-34
KJV
The First Miracle at Cana
Jesus's first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, is also associated with Epiphany in some traditions. John writes that this sign manifested Jesus's glory, and his disciples believed in him. This miracle revealed Jesus's divine power and inaugurated his ministry of transformation and abundance.
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
John 2:11
KJV
The miracle demonstrated that Jesus brings joy, abundance, and transformation. He takes the ordinary (water) and makes it extraordinary (wine). He doesn't simply restore what was lost; he provides something far better. The best wine came last, symbolizing the superior covenant Jesus would establish through his blood.
Worshiping the King
The Magi's response to finding Jesus was immediate worship. They fell down and worshiped him, presenting their treasures. This is the proper response to encountering Christ: humble adoration, generous giving, and wholehearted devotion. The Magi traveled hundreds of miles, overcame obstacles, and gave costly gifts—all to worship a child in humble surroundings.
Their example challenges us: How far will we go to seek Jesus? What will we sacrifice to worship him? Are we willing to leave our comfort zones, our familiar paths, our own plans to pursue Christ? The Magi were not deterred by distance, difficulty, or danger. They came seeking the King, and when they found him, they held nothing back.
The psalmist prophesied that kings would bring gifts to the Messiah: "The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts." The Magi fulfilled this prophecy, representing the nations bowing before Israel's King.
Conclusion: The Universal Savior
Epiphany proclaims that Jesus is the Savior of the world, not just a segment of it. The light has dawned for all nations. The Magi's journey foreshadows the ingathering of the Gentiles, the multi-ethnic church that would emerge. As we celebrate Epiphany, we rejoice that the gospel has come to us—we who were once far off have been brought near by Christ's blood. And we renew our commitment to the Great Commission, taking the light to those still in darkness. The same star that guided the Magi to Jesus now shines in our hearts, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Let us follow that light, worship the King, and proclaim his glory among all peoples until every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.