WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM

THE WISE MEN AND HEROD

Read Matthew 2:1–12 & Micah 5:2

     When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: Matthew 2:4–5 NIV

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     Long before Jesus was born, the prophets  predicted His coming. The priests and rabbis knew that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem – a prophesy they explained to Herod and to the Kings from the East.  We know that even the common people were taught this prophesy because later, after Jesus began His ministry, they said, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" (John 7:41b-42)  

     The people must not have realized that Christ was born in Bethlehem during the time of  the census though his home was in Nazareth. They really had  no excuse for not recognizing their Messiah. Had they truly been looking for Him, they would have known who He was–just as the Wise Men and even Herod did. The wise kings sought to worship Him, but Herod caused the murders of thousands of children in his attempt to destroy Him.   

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     Lord, I praise You for the reliability of Your Word. Help me to be willing to share the message of Your coming with my children, my friends and all who might be seeking for truth. As the Christmas cards say, "Wise men still seek Him."

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"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."  Matthew 2:2 NIV

BETHLEHEM

Read Luke 2:1–7; Micah 5:2

    Joseph also went up… to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.   Luke 2:4–5 NKJV

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    Mary was in the last stages of her pregnancy when something very distressing happened. The ruler of Rome declared that a census be taken, forcing everyone to go to the city of their birth to register. Hardship or not, they had to comply with this order.

    Joseph must have been deeply concerned about his wife during the trip to Bethlehem. He probably did not consider at the time that prophesy was being fulfilled. Over 700 years before, the prophet Micah predicted that the promised Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

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    Life is not always convenient or comfortable - sometimes  circumstances may be overwhelming. Lord, give us peace in those times, knowing that You are a God who cares and watches over us. Help us to remember that all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. (Romans 8:28)

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    "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to me the one to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."   Micah 5:2 NKJV