Advent Day 14

Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” (John 9:39 ESV) This statement should make us all feel the weight of our spiritual journey and the importance of recognizing Christ.

News of the wise men reached Herod’s ears. Jerusalem recognized the new star in the sky and the talk of a new King. Now, one of these would have been a bother for Herrod, two would have a concern, but all together struck Herrod deeply; he was troubled over all these signs.

We have already spoken about Herod. Have you ever wondered why Pilate is mentioned in the Apostles Creed but not Herod? Herod persecuted and humiliated Jesus as well. Herod was of Edomite descent and was part Jew. He reigned for 37 years and was successful in his rule. Herod liked to build things, and one of his projects was rebuilding the Jewish Temple. Herod did have another side; he was ruthless and vicious. Herod executed one of his wives, three of his sons, and hundreds of others whom he saw as a threat to his rule. Even though Herod was ill then, news of this new king enraged him.

Herod used people for their skills. He also was no fool and knew when he needed advice. Herrod called together all the learned theologians in Jerusalem and had them provide him with all the information in the Torah, especially the prophets, regarding the coming Messiah. It is incredible to me that after revealing all this information to Herod, they still missed recognizing the Messiah who stood before them. So, while these men had the scriptures key to finding the Messiah, they lacked one thing the wise men did not: the desire to find him. For the Magi, they believed, “We know this king was born, but we know not where. But we will go wherever he is.”  For the Jews, it was more, “We know where the Messiah will be born, but we are not going there.” If any religious leader were genuinely devoted, he would have gone to Bethlehem; it was only a few miles away. This contrast between the wise men's desire and the religious leaders' indifference should make us all feel the urgency of seeking Christ.

Sinclair makes a true statement: “It is possible to know the Bible and be tone-deaf to its message.” Never truer words are spoken. It is similar to those who know of Christ but do not know him as a savior. When I first received Christ, I experienced this tone-deafness. I read the Bible as a story. As I mature in faith, I read it much differently. Every book of the Bible is somehow connected to Christ, so I read the Bible to find Him. Now, it is no longer just a “story.” Reading the Bible and understanding it are two different things. Like many, the religious leaders simply answered Herod’s questions from the scripture texts. Herod, however, believed and was furious; he would go to Bethlehem and kill the Messiah.

Sinclair points out three responses to the Gospel, and I agree with him because I have witnessed all three: First, like the wise men, there is a hunger to hear more and a desire to learn more. Second, like the Religious leaders, there is indifference passed off as sophistication; yes, I have listened to this, but it does not matter. I have more important things to do. Lastly, there is hostility, an anger against everything Christianity represents and Christ himself. This hostility should make us all feel the need for compassion and understanding in our interactions with those who oppose our faith.

What is your response?

Grace and Peace!

Sinclair Ferguson, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace”, The Goodbook Company, 2021.