Who, What, and Where?

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)

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 at that time, news of this new king enraged him.

Herod used people for their skills. He also was no fool and knew when he needed advice. Herod 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, Jew Jewish leaders 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 wise men, it was, “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 truly devoted, he would have gone to Bethlehem; it was only a few miles away.

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 and went on their way. 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, a hunger to hear more and a desire to learn more. Second, like the Religious leaders, indifference passed off as sophistication; yes, I have listened to this, but it does not matter. I have more important things to do. And lastly, hostility, an anger against everything Christianity represents and Christ himself.

Which is yours?

Peace and Grace!

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