The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Chapter 2, Act 1: The Coming of the Magi, Mt 2,1-12

Scene 1: Jerusalem, 2,1-6

Verse 1 is full of information as it sets the scene. How is this verse linked to the last verse of the first chapter? This will be clearer in some translations (NABRE) than others (NRSV).

Note how the details of Jesus' birth are made specific in this verse. More about these details will follow. Compare with Luke 2,4 and 1,5.

The last part of the first verse then tells of the magi from the east. Orginally a Persian priestly caste, it may be best to regard them as astrologers. Who are they not? Why might I regard "wise men" of modern translations as not really appropriate? See for example the prologue to Sirach.
A look at the very end of the Gospel, Mt 28,19, will give us a clue about the importance of the visit of the magi at the beginning of the Gospel.

Finally, why did the magi go to Jerusalem?

How does verse 2 set up a conflict with verse 1?

For the star, see Numbers 24,17. What is happening there which provides background to this story?

Homage (as many translations) or worship is important in this chapter (see verses 8 and 11) and at the end of the Gospel (28,17). See 4,10 for its implications.

Why was Herod frightened in verse 3? What might be unexpected about "all Jerusalem" with him. What is the significance of this (see 26,3-4)?

Notice how the title has changed from verse 2 to verse 4. Why?

For the quotation in verses 5-6 see Micah 5,2 and 2 Samuel 5,2. How has Micah been altered?

Scene 2: Bethlehem, 2,7-12

Herod's secrecy in verse 7 is echoed in 27,2.

Why is the time of the star's appearance important? How do verses 7 and 8 advance the plot of this story?

What is notable about the star in verse 9?

"Joy" in verse 10 would be more characteristic of Luke, Lk 2,10 for example.

In verse 11, note how the child is the main focus of their visit. Mary is mentioned, but were is Joseph?

For the gifts of gold, frankinsense and myrrh: look at Is 60,6; Ps 72,10

The first act of the story began with the arrival of the magi, now it ends with their departure. How does their dream differ from those of Joseph - verse 13, for example?

What does this story tell us about the Jewish roots of Jesus?

Now it is time for my response

We now continue with the second act of this story, Mt 2,13-23.