One of the most effective methods of studying Scripture is found in trying to find elements of yourself in the characters that we read about. There are some Bible stories that this study strategy is easily applied to. For instance, when we read the story of David and Goliath, we can easily put ourselves in the shoes of the young shepherd who would one day be King while we think about the “giants” in our lives that we often find ourselves facing. When we read about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we can think about the worrisome trials that we face and rest in the fact that the same Christ who was with them is with us in the midst of everything that we come against.
There are countless stories found in Scripture in which we can find ourselves in. However, in some cases, we may find out things about ourselves that we simply don’t want to acknowledge. In those moments, it is imperative that we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the things in our lives that need to change while also asking Him for the strength to make the necessary changes.
The story of the wise men, which is primarily highlighted in the second chapter of Saint Matthew’s Gospel account provides us with one of these opportunities. While the wise men (who are sometimes referred to as kings) are the primary characters in the story, there are other people who appear in the tale. When we take the time to consider each of those people, it is much easier for us to better understand how we view the Christmas story, and ultimately, our relationship with Christ.
Before we dive into the story, it’s important to clear up one misconception about these wise men. They were not present on the night of Christ’s birth. They did not come to Bethlehem and find the newborn baby lying in a manger. Instead, they finally found the location of Christ roughly two years after His birth. This commitment to finding the Promised Messiah is one of the most powerful aspects of this story.
Today, we’re going to look at the wise men, King Herod, and the other ruling priests. When we understand their perspective on the story, we can better determine where we find ourselves in this familiar tale.
The Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-2 (TPT)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem near Jerusalem during the reign of King Herod. After Jesus’ birth a group of spiritual priests from the East came to Jerusalem and inquired of the people, “Where is the child who is born king of the Jewish people? We observed his star rising in the sky and we’ve come to bow before him in worship.”
The wise men are the central characters in their own story. Even though it had been nearly two years since Christ had been born, they were determined to find Him. Depending on the Biblical translation that you read, you may see these men referred to as “wise men,” “kings,” or “priests.” While we don’t know their specific job title, we can determine by the gifts that they brought to Christ that they were men of important social standing.
For two years, they sought out Christ. For two years, often behind the back of King Herod, they tried to find where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were at because they knew that He was the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies that they were familiar with. For two years, they dedicated themselves to nothing but finding Christ so they could worship Him properly.
Do we have that same determination? That question shouldn’t just apply to our lives around Christmas but should be something that we ask ourselves every day. We often get very focused on Christ during the Christmas season, but that focus often fades once we settle back into the normal routines of life.
Are we as committed to earnestly worshiping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords as the wise men were? Do we seek Him every day, or do we typically only focus on Him during certain times of year or when things are more convenient for us?
Herod
Matthew 2:13 (TPT)
After they had gone, Joseph had another dream. An angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Get up now and flee to Egypt. Take Mary and the little child and stay there until I tell you to leave, for Herod intends to search for the child to kill him.”
Herod was threatened by the birth of Christ. History teaches us that Herod was one of the most important rulers of the time. His empire reached far and wide, and the thought of a greater King arriving on the scene to take away his authority “shook him to the core” (Matthew 2:3 TPT). While the wise men responded with an earnest desire for worship, Herod responded with hostility.
He immediately started questioning people, asking them where the prophecies said that Christ would be born. He lied about his intentions initially, telling those around him that he wanted to go worship the Messiah, as well. Instead, his sinister plan involved killing Christ as a baby. In fact, Herod was enraged by the birth of Christ that he ordered the slaughter of every male child under the age of two in all of Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding areas.
Sadly, many people still approach Christ with hostility today. Often, we find ourselves angry at God because our lives haven’t turned out the way that we want them to. Asking yourself if you have hostility regarding Christ is a painful, difficult question. We want to quickly say that we would never feel that way, but within the deepest, darkest recesses of our hearts, we often harbor bitterness towards God for our own failed plans.
If you find yourself identifying with Herod in this story, there is hope. You can ask God to reveal Himself to you so that you can overcome those feelings.
The Other Ruling Priests
Matthew 2:4 (TPT)
So he called a meeting of the Jewish ruling priests and religious scholars, demanding that they tell him where the promised Messiah was prophesied to be born.
Finally, we find a group of “ruling priests and religious scholars” who are only mentioned one time in this story. It’s easy to assume that they are only mentioned once because they played no role, but that’s simply not true. These priests and scholars were very well-versed in the Old Testament prophesies of Christ’s coming. They knew the Scriptures that pointed to His birthplace, and they told Herod about that when asked. However, none of them went out to seek Christ. Why? Because they were indifferent.
They knew that the Messiah was going to be born, and they knew where. Yet, they didn’t do anything to seek Him. They also weren’t hesitant to tell a jealous Herod about where He was at. They simply didn’t care.
Sadly, we often find ourselves facing indifference when dealing with our relationship with Christ. While the story of Christmas is a powerful tale of God’s unwavering love for humanity, we often become so familiar with it that we become indifferent.
The men who Herod questioned knew the Bible even better than we do. Yet, they were too uncaring and cold to realize that their lives could be forever changed if they allowed them to be. We’re in the same position. This Christmas, and every day, allow the story of Christ to become brand new to you.
A Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to become so committed to seeking You that I reflect the behavior of the wise men. Forgive me for my indifference, and my moments of hostility. In Christ’s name, Amen.