ニューイングランドの母校からアドベントの便り、その10
2016 Gordon-Conwell
Advent Devotional | Day 10 | The Desired of the Nations
Matthew 2:9-11
Much speculation often surrounds the identity of the “wise men from the east” who came to pay tribute to the infant Jesus. More important than what Matthew does not say, however, is what he does. The account of their coming builds to a climax in which, upon meeting the infant Jesus, “they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” The term for ‘worship’ here is used almost exclusively in Matthew for obeisance to Jesus by those who recognize his surpassing authority. The magi ascribe majesty to the infant in a way that is entirely appropriate for one already identified in the Gospel as Messiah and Son of God.
The expectation of the Old Testament prophets adds additional gravity to this scene. Isaiah 60 looks ahead to a time when the nations of the world and their kings would come to Jerusalem bringing expensive gifts: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising…Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, 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 bring good news, the praises of the LORD.” (Isa 60:3-6).
Also striking is the background of Psalm 72, traditionally attributed to Solomon and associated with the coming Messiah. In verses 8-11, the Psalmist speaks of a time when “all nations” and their kings will come with gifts of gold and will “fall down before him…and serve him.” Already from the manger, Jesus had begun to receive expensive gifts and obeisance from the nations of the world, and throughout his ministry he would attract ever more followers who recognized the majesty of God’s Son. Matthew then concludes the Gospel with the summons of Jesus to carry this work to all nations of the world. And so it is to this day. At the heart of our lives as God’s people is the mission of telling others of the majesty of the Son of God so that they may join the pilgrimage of the nations coming to the Son to pay him tribute.
