Matthew 2:1-18
Story & Lessons
The wise men traveled many miles to see the Messiah.
But the chief priests and scribes who knew the Scriptures which promised his coming, showed little interest in his birth.
The Lord Jesus came as the "King of the Jews".
But He is also to be worshipped by Gentiles (e.g. the wise men).
Herod the Great, who was king at the time of the birth of Jesus, had been given the title "King of the Jews" by the Romans.
He was alarmed to hear the question, "Where is he who is born the King of the Jews?".
Herod was a power-crazed tyrant who ruthlessly ruled Palestine for 40 years; anyone who posed a threat to him was exterminated. He did not act out of character in his plot to kill the Lord Jesus.
Herod’s plot was thwarted when God warned the wise men in a dream that they should not return to him.
Reflection...
The Lord Jesus came into the world to die for sinners.
But it was not in God’s purpose for Him to be killed before the time that He had appointed.
Herod saw Jesus as a threat and his fear turned to murderous hatred.
Some 33 years later, the Son of God was rejected by his own nation and Pontius Pilate had the title, “the King of the Jews” put on the cross (John 19:17-22).
Are we like Herod who rejected Jesus?
Or are we wise like those who sought Jesus, found him, and worshipped him?
Story & Lessons
The wise men traveled many miles to see the Messiah.
But the chief priests and scribes who knew the Scriptures which promised his coming, showed little interest in his birth.
The Lord Jesus came as the "King of the Jews".
But He is also to be worshipped by Gentiles (e.g. the wise men).
Herod the Great, who was king at the time of the birth of Jesus, had been given the title "King of the Jews" by the Romans.
He was alarmed to hear the question, "Where is he who is born the King of the Jews?".
Herod was a power-crazed tyrant who ruthlessly ruled Palestine for 40 years; anyone who posed a threat to him was exterminated. He did not act out of character in his plot to kill the Lord Jesus.
Herod’s plot was thwarted when God warned the wise men in a dream that they should not return to him.
Reflection...
The Lord Jesus came into the world to die for sinners.
But it was not in God’s purpose for Him to be killed before the time that He had appointed.
Herod saw Jesus as a threat and his fear turned to murderous hatred.
Some 33 years later, the Son of God was rejected by his own nation and Pontius Pilate had the title, “the King of the Jews” put on the cross (John 19:17-22).
Are we like Herod who rejected Jesus?
Or are we wise like those who sought Jesus, found him, and worshipped him?
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