Matthew 2:1-3
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…
Different people face life’s challenges and difficulties differently. Some may inclined to worry while the others may be optimistic about the future. In this instance, however, as the wise men come to Jerusalem to inquire about the birth of the king of the Jews trouble breaks out all over Jerusalem.
When Herod is troubled everyone is troubled it seems. If a new king has been born, the old king’s days must be numbered. And in fact Herod’s successor will not be Jesus, but his son, Herod Antipas (though it seems that his reign was not as far-reaching as Herod the Great. Herod the Great was a ruthless ruler. He will order the deaths of the innocent children in the region of Bethlehem. He is not about to see this child – this so-called king of the Jews – get in his way.
Are you more like the wise men or Herod? Are you inclined to be troubled that Jesus is king, or looking for him so that you may worship him? Are you inclined to play it cool (“Never let ’em see you sweat!”) or are you moved by changes in political, social, or economic landscapes?
Better to struggle with the implications of Jesus’ birth as King of the Jews than pass this off. Better to realize that something noteworthy has happened that requires your attention than ignore the reality of Jesus’ reign. He is king of the Jews, but also King of kings. He is worthy of our worship. That is Good News for any who will worship him.
Matthew 2:1-12
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.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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