Matthew 2:1-212 NKJV
[1] Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, [2] saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." 3] When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. [4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. [5] So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: [6] 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' " [7] Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. [8] And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." [9] When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. [10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. [11] And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. [12] Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Matthew 2:16-18 NKJV
[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. [17] Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: [18] "A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more."
What incredible contrast in this story.
King Herod and the wise men were both seeking the Child.
The wise men and King Herod had wealth and knowledge.
King Herod met with the wise men and helped them by calling the chief priests and scribes together to determine where the scriptures foretold Messiah would be born.
The wise men and King Herod created a stir.
Where the contrast really stands out is in their response to the birth of Jesus.
The wise men brought Him gifts and shared with others their quest find the newborn king.
King Herod brought the slaughter of innocence baby boys and the grief told of by Jeremiah.
Let us heed the warning, selfish ambition leads to great harm, as King Herod exemplified.
The wise men's part in this story inspires and encourages.
They spent time, effort, and money to travel a great distance to honor Jesus.
We too can bring Jesus the best and most costly gifts: our hearts, our lives.
We too can share what we know and have seen about our Lord and Savior, bringing Him glory and honor
We too can follow the wise men and seek Him daily.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for these wise men and the impact they made on history. Thank You for their courage and diligence to travel all that way just to give You birthday gifts. Lord, please continue to teach me wisdom from Your Word that I took might walk wherever I am called to give You myself. Lord, thank You for the stark contrast between those who were focused on what was right and King Herod who was obviously focused on evil. Lord, protect the innocent for there are still those focused on evil. Bring the truth of Your salvation to this lost world! Thank You. Amen.
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