“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we (Magi) saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” (vv.2-3)
Chapter 2 presents us with three alternative responses to the birth of Jesus: King Herod’s, the chief priests and teachers, and the Magi. Herod heard the word about the coming shepherd of Israel, and he reacted angrily because his plans might be upset. The chief priests and teachers of the law also heard, but they did nothing. The Magi heard this word, and they acted on it—they made the trip (from the far east) to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus and bowed down and worshipped Him.
The indifference of the nation to the coming King is stunning. The chief priests and teachers of the law knew exactly what the Magi were talking about in verse two, but apparently had made no effort to search out the truth for themselves. Even the wicked King Herod was more curious than those who should have been at the head of the line in Bethlehem, worshiping their Messiah. But the Magi got to share in the birth of the Savior. They were the first to offer Jesus gifts that not only represented the best that they had, but spoke of His kingship and His eventual death.
Unfortunately not much has changed today in terms of man’s responses to Jesus. When confronted with "the coming King” they remain the same; indifference, hatred, or faith. I pray you choose faith!
The Truth: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets, I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
Chapter 2 presents us with three alternative responses to the birth of Jesus: King Herod’s, the chief priests and teachers, and the Magi. Herod heard the word about the coming shepherd of Israel, and he reacted angrily because his plans might be upset. The chief priests and teachers of the law also heard, but they did nothing. The Magi heard this word, and they acted on it—they made the trip (from the far east) to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus and bowed down and worshipped Him.
The indifference of the nation to the coming King is stunning. The chief priests and teachers of the law knew exactly what the Magi were talking about in verse two, but apparently had made no effort to search out the truth for themselves. Even the wicked King Herod was more curious than those who should have been at the head of the line in Bethlehem, worshiping their Messiah. But the Magi got to share in the birth of the Savior. They were the first to offer Jesus gifts that not only represented the best that they had, but spoke of His kingship and His eventual death.
Unfortunately not much has changed today in terms of man’s responses to Jesus. When confronted with "the coming King” they remain the same; indifference, hatred, or faith. I pray you choose faith!
The Truth: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets, I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
