Matthew 2:7–8 (ESV) —
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
NOTE: Herod had already inquired as to the location of the Messiah's birth from the chief priests and scribes. That was public. Now he secretly summons the wise men, obviously not wanting anyone to know, and asks when the star appeared. In verse 16, after realizing that he had been tricked by the wise men, he kills all the male children in Bethlehem two years and younger. My guess is that the wise men saw the star a little over a year ago (possibly two). The parents were probably living in a house by this time (verse 11 confirms). And to be safe, Herod kills all the boys two years and under.
There are many responses to Jesus. Some seek him (the wise men). Some came to see him and celebrate him (the shepherds). Some didn't really care (the chief priests and scribes). Finally, some were enraged by him and sought to eliminate any reference to him (Herod -- one of the elites of society). There are many responses to Jesus, what is mine?
PONDER:
- Am I indifferent or enraged by stories of Jesus?
- Or am I a seeker of Jesus?
PRAYER: Father, the world clearly falls into the group that is largely indifferent or openly hostile. They do not understand the significance. And they are blinded by their sin. We, believers in Jesus, need to show them a reason to seek the savior. We need transformed lives such that others cannot ignore the claims of the gospel.
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