The Magi Search for Jesus - December 22

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we 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. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For from you will come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” Matthew 2: 1-8 (NASB)

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Jesus was not just an earthly king in the line of King David. He was Israel's heavenly King, the king the Israelites rejected when they asked Samuel for a king from among their own people (1 Samuel 8:7). The Jewish leaders' attitude toward their King doesn't seem to have changed. Even though they recognize that Micah's prophecy about the arrival of the Messiah may have come to pass, they show no interest in going to Bethlehem to see if the story is true. Perhaps their reluctance stems from concern about how the murderously jealous King Herod will react to this news. Yet their response to the possible arrival of their King seems at best to be unsettlingly apathetic.

What is our response to the arrival of our Heavenly King on Christmas Day? Do we take the time to worship and praise him? Do we appreciate his humility and love as he divests himself of his majesty to join us in a world ruled by sin and Satan? Even though December 25 may not be the actual date of Jesus' birth, it is the day we set aside to remember this incredible event. The whole world is aware of the significance of Christmas Day, but few respond to the love of God displayed on this day. What is your response?

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Holy God, I magnify you for the love and humility you displayed in the incarnation.

Thank you Jesus for loving me enough to enter into this world of sin to rescue me.

Please help me to remember and follow the example of your loving sacrifice everyday. All glory is yours! Amen.

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“Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org”