Matthew 2:5-6

Matthew 2:5-6

And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judah.  For this has been written through the prophets: ‘And you Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the preeminent rulers of Judah.  For out of you the one who rules preeminently will come, who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Here is an interesting continuation to the point that I was making in yesterday’s blog post.  Do you hear how easily the scribes and religious elite answer Herod?  They know the scripture.  They are not taken by surprise by Herod’s question.  They knew where to look.  Yet they still missed what God was doing.  The magi caught on to God’s hand at work by paying attention in spite of not having any reason; the religious leaders of the Jews missed it in spite of knowing exactly where God’s Messiah would come.  This is proof that simple academic of knowledge is no proof of relationship with God.

Are you surprised that Jesus was able to be born without catching the interest of the religious elite and the scribes?  What do you think is the difference between academic knowledge alone and a genuine relationship with God?

Second Thought:

Catch a deeper hidden message here.  God actually uses these scribe and religious elite to actually lead other people – the magi – to Jesus!  God uses these people who have no desire to find Jesus to direct others into the worship of Jesus!  This is how great God is.  Whether we are obedient or disobedient does not change God’s ability to use us in the accomplishment of His will. 

If God is going to use us and work through us whether we humble ourselves to Him or not, why would we not be willing to open ourselves up to His presence?  Do you think of God as a being who is willing and capable of using those who do not desire to humble themselves to His will and seek Him out?

Third Thought:

Matthew paraphrases Micah 5:2 in his telling of this story.  However, Matthew strengthens the wording as he writes it.  Micah tells us that a ruler will come from Bethlehem.  Matthew tells us that a preeminent ruler will come.  God’s Messiah is not just a king.  God’s Messiah is the king of kings.  He is the ruler of all rulers.  He is the one who can change the whole world, not just a little kingdom here or there.

Do you think the world sees Jesus as a preeminent ruler?  Do you classify Jesus as a preeminent ruler?  Why?

Passage for Tomorrow: Matthew 2:7-12