December 24 | Matthew 2:1-2
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is the King born to the Jews, for we saw His star in the East and have come
to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1–2)
The only person oblivious to Jesus’s arrival was King Herod. Kings from the East told him. It was so obvious to them because a special star arose in the sky. Some scholars believe the Magi were from Babylon.
It’s possible that Daniel informed the Babylonians about the Messiah and how He would come to the world. The Babylonians were also keen on astronomy, following the stars and charting them. So they would’ve noticed a star that didn’t quite fit in the heavens.
They take astrological signs seriously, attaching great meaning to strange things in the sky. So when they saw the unusual star they followed it to Bethlehem. They expected the new royalty would be King Herod’s son.
They placed Jesus’s life in grave danger. Herod was a paranoid leader. He had many of his family killed so they could not succeed him. Hearing of another king drove him to a preemptive strike of the boys in Bethlehem.
Even King Herod’s treachery and deception did not affect the safety of Jesus and the Magi. They brought Him gifts worthy of a King, given for practical and spiritual blessings.
Action Step: Praise Jesus the King! He is worthy of all your praise. He will receive the glory even if not the normal way you expect.
Hail King Jesus! I give You my highest praise. You are worthy of it all. Words cannot express how thankful I am. I lift You up. Be exalted in the presence of heaven!
