Epiphany Revealed: The Magi, the Star, and the True King of the Jews
Foreign dignitaries arrive in Jerusalem seeking the one who is “king of the Jews,” and in doing so, set off shockwaves in Herod’s palace. But who were these curious Magi, and what was the true nature of that mysterious star over Bethlehem? In this episode, we sift through the historical and geographical clues, consult ancient prophecies, and examine astronomical theories from Kepler to Halley’s Comet to uncover what might really have guided the wise men. Don’t miss this deep dive into Scripture, tradition, and celestial wonders as we unravel the drama behind the visit we celebrate at Epiphany!
Diving deep into our Gospel we'll spend our episode looking closer at:
The surprising debate among scholars over whether the Magi were Persian astrologers or noblemen from Arabia, and the scriptural and geographic clues that suggest they might have brought gifts native only to southern Arabia [00:07:04]
How Old Testament prophecies from Isaiah and the story of the Queen of Sheba shape our understanding of the Magi's identity and the meaning of their gifts [00:09:40]
The fascinating origins of calling the Magi "kings," including the Old Testament Psalm that connects this title to their journey and the tradition that gives us three Magi even though the Gospel never numbers them [00:15:54]
The quest to identify the Star of Bethlehem, from Kepler’s supernova theory to possible comets and rare planetary conjunctions, and what ancient witnesses and NASA have to say about these awe-inspiring celestial events [00:22:21]
The multilayered and surprising identity of King Herod—an Arab by birth, religiously Jewish by political force, culturally Greek, and a Roman puppet—and why his violent paranoia was so deeply triggered by the Magi and this mysterious new king [00:37:11]
The stunning link between the Magi’s words to Herod and an ancient prophecy in Numbers, where a pagan prophet spoke of a star and the downfall of Edom—Herod’s own lineage—setting the stage for political and spiritual upheaval [00:45:07]
The beautiful way the episode ties the Epiphany Gospel to the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, revealing how ancient royal customs and succession narratives enrich the scene of the Magi finding Jesus with Mary [00:32:10]
And the compelling final challenge: if the Magi could journey across the desert to worship the Christ child, can we muster similar courage and openness to recognize and adore Jesus in the Eucharist today? [00:47:03]
References
"Then you shall see and be radiant. Your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you. The wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you. The young camels of Midian and Ephah, all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord." (Isaiah 60:5-6)
"May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute. May the kings of Sheba and Seba bring him gifts. May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him." (Psalm 72:10-11)
"Wise men from Arabia presented themselves before him." (Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, Chapter 77)
"It came from the east, faded while it was overhead, and then reappeared several days later as it set in the west." (Brown 1993, 171)
"A star shone in heaven beyond all the stars and its light was unspeakable, and its newness caused astonishment. And all the other stars with the sun and the moon gathered in chorus round this star and it far exceeded them all in its light." (Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Ephesians, Ch. XIX)
"I see him, but not now. I behold him, but not nigh. A star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. It shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Edom shall be dispossessed." (Numbers 24:17-18)
"Just as Balaam failed to cooperate with the King's plan, uttering blessings instead of curses, so the Magi fail to assist Herod in his plot to destroy Jesus, paying the child homage instead of reporting his location to Herod." (Mitch 2010, 51)
"In this sacrament [the Eucharist] we believe that the same God is present whom the Eternal Father brought into the world. It is the same God whom the Magi fell down and worshiped." (Trent, Session XIII, Chapter V, "On the Worship and Veneration to be Shown to this Most Holy Sacrament")
Bibliography
Brown, Raymond E. The Birth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. New Updated Edition. New York; London: Yale University Press, 1993.
The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent. London: George Routledge and Co., 1851.
Clement I, Pope, Saint Ignatius Bishop of Antioch, Saint Polycarp Bishop of Smyrna, and Kirsopp Lake. The Apostolic Fathers. Edited by Kirsopp Lake. The Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge MA; London: Harvard University Press, 1912–1913.
Mitch, Curtis, and Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.
S. Justin the Martyr. The Works Now Extant of S. Justin the Martyr, Translated, with Notes and Indices. A Library of Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church. Oxford; London: J. H. and Jas. Parker; F. and J. Rivington, 1861.
Discussion Questions
Katie discusses multiple scholarly opinions on the origins of the Magi. Based on the evidence presented, which theory (Persian astrologers or Arabian noblemen) do you find most convincing and why?
How does the Old Testament context, particularly Isaiah 60 and Psalm 72, help shape our understanding of the Magi’s visit and gifts?
The episode notes that the Magi are never called “kings” in Matthew’s account. Why do you think tradition has embraced this title for them, and how does it affect our interpretation of the Epiphany story?
Katie explores several possible explanations for the “star” followed by the Magi (supernova, comet, planetary conjunction, supernatural phenomenon). Which explanation do you find most intriguing and why?
What is the significance of the Magi being Gentiles, and how does their inclusion at the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel set the tone for the rest of Jesus’ ministry?
Discuss how the interaction between the Magi and Herod reveals both political and spiritual tensions in first-century Judea.
How do the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh serve as both theological symbols and geographic clues about the Magi’s possible origins?
The episode draws parallels between the star in Matthew and the pillars of fire and cloud in Exodus. What spiritual messages might Matthew be conveying through these connections?
Reflect on Katie’s question about whether we, like the Magi, are open and willing to seek and recognize Christ—even in unexpected forms, such as the Eucharist.
What role does tradition (“small t” vs. “big T”) play in shaping our faith practices and beliefs, particularly when Scripture is silent or ambiguous, as with the number and identity of the Magi?