But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
- Today is Epiphany, aka “Christmas for the Gentiles.” Epiphany is the day when the light of the Messiah shines on the entire world, not just the Jewish people. It recognizes when the Magi came to worship Jesus (which, we should note, was around two years after Jesus’ birth; get those three wise men out of your nativity sets!)
- Thematically, it’s about the universality of God’s love and the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s people.
- Our Scripture readings deal with the inclusion of the Gentiles, as well as the healing work of Jesus.
- Jesus’ response to threats of violence is to heal people.
- All three of our lectionary readings are about the inclusion of the entire world.