Mt. 2
Between Ch. 1 and Ch.2 of Matthew as much as a year had passed since the birth of Jesus. But in God's timing the wise man had traveled a great distance following His star [a specially ordained star with a mission]. They automatically assumed that the birth of a king would take place in a palace so they went to Herod asking where this king was. Obviously, this was very troubling to Herod since he was the king [evil though he was, with a reputation for killing many including his wife, several sons, and other relatives]. The news spread throughout Jerusalem and caused a disconcerting atmosphere. He assembled the chief priests and scribes to get some answers. They knew of the prophecy. 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. Herod pointed them in the direction of Bethlehem asking them to come back and report to him that they had found this king. Yet, even with all this notoriety, the chief priests and scribes had no interest in going. They did not even send someone to accompany the wise men. Did they discount the prophecy?
After hearing all Herod had to say, they went on to Bethlehem. 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. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Frankincense is resin and was the only incense permitted on the altar. Myrrh is sap used in incense, perfume, and as a stimulant tonic. The gifts could have been used in the family's flight to Egypt since Joseph was not a man of means.
After the wise men had gone, Joseph was visited by an angel warning him of the danger of staying in Bethlehem. [Their flight to Egypt was prophesied as well.] When Herod realized he had been fooled, he furiously organized a search for all the male children 2 years and under. This search was their death sentence! What an evil man! The prophet described this time as, A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.
When Herod died, another angel appeared in a dream to Joseph while he was in Egypt. He was instructed to go back to Israel. The time was now safe. But when he heard that Archelaus was king over Judea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to return to Bethlehem. He was warned in a dream to withdraw to the area of Galilee. He settled in Nazareth. [So that what was prophesied would be fulfilled. He shall be called a Nazarene.] It's amazing how all of Jesus' own people had not connected the dots between all the prophecies. Wouldn't the deaths of male children have awakened an understanding of Scriptures. Perhaps not all knew the Scriptures as well as the chief priests and scribes, but didn't these religious leaders have a responsibility to lead and teach the people. Certainly this ignorance explains their reactions to Jesus during his earthly ministry. Regardless my response must be one like the wise men. He must be the one that I worship offering all that is valuable in my life.
Father,
Thank You for the birth, growth, and life of Your Son. Jesus thank You for enduring all the hatred and thoughtless of men. Thank You for being my salvation and drawing me to Yourself. I worship You today.
In Your name,
Amen
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