Matthew 2:1-12
Reflect
It’s just mentioned so briefly that overlooking it could be forgiven, ‘…born in Bethlehem’. Why there? In one of the most uniquely beautiful stories told from a woman’s perspective in Scripture, we learn that out of loyalty and love, Ruth comes to Bethlehem some 1000 years prior to the birth of Jesus. Micah picks up on this and some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, he prophecies that the Messiah would be born in this little town that Joseph needed to return to for the census.
I suppose it should come as no surprise that Herod responds to the enquiry (v.2) by being troubled and then moves with ruthless hostility (v.16).
One would think though, that the chief priests, who were entrusted with the spiritual wellbeing of the people, would respond to the enquiry with exaltation as the Messiah has at long last arrived in the town that they knew He would. They don’t. They seem rather apathetic as they shuffle off into irrelevancy.
Has anything changed in 2000 years? Leaders still fail to acknowledge Jesus as King; and we in this era of "the priesthood of all believers", who are entrusted with the proclamation of our King, have blended into the shadows with our "private faith".
Know someone that doesn’t know Jesus? How motivated are you love them enough to share about Jesus? Love to see you both at Alpha!
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.