Matthew 2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel’” (Micah 5:2,4). Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:1-12 NIV
The Magi came to worship Jesus because they understood who He was, that He was their promised King that Micah had prophecies about. We must remember to worship Him for who He is and what He has done for us already, not what He can do for us in the future. Our worship comes from a heart of thankfulness. He has given us our life, breath, salvation, right-standing with God, the Holy Spirit to guide us every day, and so much more! We may not have gold and we may not be as rich as the Magi were, but what do you have to offer to the One who has given you everything you have? Offer to Him your time, your talents and your treasure, for Him to use to build His Kingdom here on Earth.
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3 NKJV
Jesus’ birth disturbed and upset people. He still disturbs people today, especially if they are not ready to admit that they are sinners and in need of someone to save them. Simply saying the name “Jesus” can be offensive to some people. Many people believe that Christianity is too narrow-minded, and may say “Do you really believe there is only one way to God?” Jesus clearly states this in scripture: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NKJV. We can have no doubt about the truth of that statement. Christianity is not exclusive at all. It is the most inclusive religion there is, open to anyone who will believe. We should not be apologetic or shy about our faith, or using the Name of Jesus in our conversation. As Paul boldly declared: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16 NKJV). When people hear us speak about Jesus, some will be troubled. Despite this, we must continue to speak about what He is doing in our lives, and allow the Holy Spirit to work on their hearts so that they can uncover the real reason they are troubled. For most people they are troubled by the Name because there is a part of them, deep in their spirit, that knows the truth. They have allowed their flesh, the world’s desires, and the devil to speak lies to them. But Jesus came to set the captives free! For their sake, we must take the risk of offending people, and speak truth wherever we go.
Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Matthew 2:16 NKJV
Herod was afraid that God would replace him as king and take away his power. Today, people are afraid that Christ wants to take away their freedom, money, power, and the little kingdoms that they have built up to please themselves. The reality is that He wants to give us all true freedom, peace and joy. The anger that some people experience towards God comes from selfish desires for more of what this world has to offer. God’s hope is that everyone will discover His plan of freedom for them before it is too late.