"The Road Isn't Straight" by Rev. Jillian Hankamer, 1/5/2025

A sermon for Northminster Church

Matthew 2:1-12

            Too often, we’ve been told that a successful life is a linear one. But in reality, our lives unfold with many unexpected twists and turns. As we come to Epiphany, we encounter people who understand taking an unexpected journey. As Beth told the kids, today we celebrate the revelation of Jesus as God incarnate and the visit of those we often call the wisemen. Epiphany marks the official end of the Christmas season on the church calendar, and from here we turn and prepare for Ash Wednesday and Lent. This is a liminal space, the threshold between the celebration of Jesus’ birth and his incarnation in his ministry, so keep in mind that Matthew is the only gospel writer to include this special visit.

But despite what our nativity sets tell us, this meeting doesn’t happen around the manger with baby Jesus in swaddling clothes, the wisemen elbow-to-elbow with shepherds, cows, and donkeys as angels sing in the heavens. This morning’s story takes place months or even years later, as the term Matthew uses to describe Jesus in the Greek means “young child” rather than “infant” or “baby.”^[1] Having come “from the east,” the wise men somehow know that the star they’ve been following is a sign that the King of the Jews has been born, but what an assumption to make. What an assumption to stake an incredibly arduous journey on. Why are they so certain? What could motivate them to go to all this effort?

The answer lies in understanding that the appropriate descriptor for these visitors is neither “wise man” or “king” but magi because it comes from the Greek              magos/μάγος, which means “magician,” “wizard,” or “sorcerer” and is a common way of referring to Zoroastrian priests.^[2] Well known for preparing daily horoscopes and telling fortunes, magi are scholars with access to the Persian Emperor, where Zoroastrianism is the official religion until the development of Islam.

Zoroastrians believe their prophet Zoroaster has much in common with Jesus, including a virgin mother and a ministry that begins after his defeat of Satan.^[3] Zoroaster predicts that “other virgins would conceive additional divinely appointed prophets as history unfolded,”^[4] and Zoroastrian priests believe that they could foretell these miraculous births by reading the stars.^[5] “Like the Jews, Zoroastrian priests were anticipating the birth of the true Savior.”^[6]

So the appearance of these magi following a star is not only confirmation within their own religion but also Matthew’s effort to make it clear to his audience that Jesus’ virgin birth is confirmation of Old Testament prophecy. In one fell swoop, the Evangelist makes the importance of Jesus’ birth clear; he’s so special, so important, so much a King that people of other faiths travel `to find him, bring him gifts, and fall down to worship him.

“And what gifts the magi bring! First is gold, a sign of kingship and long associated with the divine. Then frankincense, an expensive incense, representing wisdom. Finally, the prized perfume myrrh, a sign of long life and healing.^[7] As you know, these are gifts for royalty, another way Matthew uses the magi to point to Jesus’ status as the King of the Jews.”

The Magi follow a star, embarking on a long journey in a foreign land in order to honor the newborn Christ. Guided by dreams and stars, their journey was filled with royal encounters and unforeseen detours. King Herod, steeped in ulterior motives, directed the Magi to report back to him, but they chose a different path. As the text says, they leave “by another road.” Their decision to embrace an alternative path suggests the Magi were willing to have their assumptions challenged and plans changed.

In a similar way, Isaiah testifies to this idea with the powerful promise that God makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. This prophetic assurance paints a vivid picture of God’s active presence with humanity, creating paths where none seem to exist. It’s a divine invitation to move forward, learn from the past, and step into new possibilities.

The magi’s journey teaches us a comforting lesson about the curves and bumps in our own paths: feeling uncertain or lost is okay. We don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes the most profound moments in life come from taking a turn that leads us away from our meticulously planned routes. And often, the straight and narrow ways we assume are set before us are not our only options. As we go forth in faith, we’ll have opportunities to decide between conforming to external expectations and following God’s path. Following the Spirit’s stirrings may lead us down twists and turns that lead us out of our comfort zones, but fit us into a divine path.

My friends, the good news this morning is that we are never alone in our journey, even when the road isn’t straight. Like the Magi, we are often called to take unexpected paths and find new ways. Every journey carries risks and revelations, but God actively carves new paths in the wilderness, guiding us through uncharted territories. Each movement forward in faith brings us closer to where we truly belong. This perspective empowers us to face the uncertainties of our journey with courage, knowing God is with us in the detours.

In this new year, may you find comfort knowing that, like the Magi, a light will guide you home. Rest in this hope that you never truly go alone - the love that knows your name goes alongside you and before you. Let this assurance fill you with peace and courage, open to the new and unexpected paths God may reveal in the days to come.

            I leave you with this blessing: It’s okay if your journey hasn’t looked like you thought it would. As you navigate twists and turns, stay curious and open to where God might be leading. May you find the courage to explore new routes and the wisdom to follow the one who will never leave or forsake you. May each new path be a chance to trust God and discover deeper truths about that love that will never let you go.

^[1] Amy Lindeman Allen, “The Gifts We Give - Matthew 2: 1-12” from the Political Theology Network, https://politicaltheology.com/the-gifts-we-give-matthew-21-12/

^[2] Niveen Sarras, “Commentary on Matthew 2: 1-12” from Working Preacher, http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3931.

^[3] Ibid.

^[4] Paul Fink, Comparing and Evaluating the Scriptures , 2011, pg.,30.

^[5] Ibid.

^[6] Sarras, ibid.

^[7] Tricia McCannon, Jesus: the Explosive Story of the Thirty Lost Years and the Ancient Mystery Religions 2010.