The Magi’s arrival in Jerusalem must have been a moment of great excitement, yet it was met with fear and indifference. When they asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" the city was disturbed. King Herod, in particular, was deeply troubled. His reaction reveals a key aspect of human nature: the fear of losing power.
Herod's Response:
Herod’s response was one of fear. He had been appointed king by the Roman Empire and had worked hard to secure his position. The news of a rival king sent him into a state of paranoia. Instead of seeking out the child to honor him, Herod sought to destroy him. His response to the news of Christ’s birth was not one of joy or curiosity, but of violent opposition.
Herod’s fear of losing his power and control over his kingdom led him to do whatever it took to secure his throne. He was willing to deceive the Magi and even commit mass murder in order to protect his position. This episode highlights the destructive power of fear, especially when it is fueled by pride and self-interest.
The Response of the People:
But it wasn’t just Herod who was disturbed. The people of Jerusalem were also troubled. Despite the fact that the long-awaited Messiah had come, the chief priests and scribes were indifferent to His arrival. They knew the prophecies about the Messiah, but they did not act upon them. They did not go to Bethlehem to see if the child was indeed the Messiah. Instead, they remained in the comfort of their own lives, uninterested in pursuing the truth.
This indifference can often be our own response to Christ. We can hear the message of His birth and salvation and remain unaffected. We may know the story but fail to let it penetrate our hearts and lives. Just like the people of Jerusalem, we can become comfortable in our routines, allowing the great revelation of Christ’s coming to pass us by.
Application:
We are faced with the same question: How do we respond to the revelation of Christ? Do we respond like Herod, seeking to control or destroy the truth in our lives? Or do we respond with indifference, going on with life as usual, failing to act on the knowledge we have? The Magi show us the proper response—one of worship, while Herod and the people of Jerusalem demonstrate the dangers of fear, pride, and indifference.
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