QT 12/21/2022 Matt 2:1-12, We are the wise men, royalty, and scribes all rolled up into one

Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV) —

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 saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

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.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

 

NOTE: The wise men, probably from schools that Daniel set up many years ago, were looking for the Messiah. But they did not know all of the scriptures. The king should have known the scriptures since it was required of the law, and when he heard the news, was looking (looking for potential usurpers). The scribes knew the scriptures but weren't looking, and they should have been looking. What a mess!

 

These days we need to makes sure we are not making the same mistake that was made at Jesus' first coming. We should know the scriptures and be digging into it daily. We should be looking for the savior. We should be praying "thy kingdom come." And as children of the king, the prince and princesses, we should be spreading the message to a world that increasingly knows less and less about God and the bible. Funny use of words "increasingly … less" but it is true.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I serious in my study of the word?
2. Is bible reading a priority in my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to be the ones who are telling others about the good news of Jesus. He paid the price for our sins and he is coming again soon.