The Messiah Sought

Assuring Hope
Jesus, the Promised Servant-leader

Matthew 2:1-6 (The Message)

Scholars from the East

 ^1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod's kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, "Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We're on pilgrimage to worship him."  ^3-4When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"
 ^5-6They told him, "Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:

   It's you, Bethlehem, in Judah's land,
      no longer bringing up the rear.
   From you will come the leader
      who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel."

For Reflection
The story of the three wise men speaks to the universal impact of the Christ event.  A little village, Bethlehem, was hardly and expected birth place worthy of God's son.  And yet, the village and the event attracted visitors of the high station from an unknown "Eastern" area  Observant of the confluence or astrological and astronomical signs and perhaps myth or story passed on through countless generations, these men responded to the call of God.  How much mystery are you willing to accept as a foundation for your beliefs?

Pray
prayers of confession. Admit to God that you are unsure of many things.  Ask him for the patience and wisdom to accept the great mystery that is God.  Pray for trust in the promise of Jesus Christ.