Advent, Part 5

Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV-UK)

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 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. When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 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:

'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him. After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

I read a verse this morning, which I think ties in.

Luke 7:23 (words of Jesus): And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.

Jesus said and did many things which, intentionally or not, revealed the condition of people’s hearts. Some people were humble and were willing to accept his compassion and conviction, and so loved him and were willing to follow him. These souls took no offense at Jesus. Many more rejected his conviction and compassion, wanting instead to stand on their own two feet and be right in- and of-themselves. Such people took great offense at Jesus.

Both kinds of people are present in this story, even though Jesus at this time is only an infant.

The Magi from the east, and Mary, and Joseph are all willing to accept Jesus.

King Herod, the people of Jerusalem, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law all took offense at Jesus. Those were all the people who were someone.

Am I humble enough to accept Jesus for Who He is? Am I willing to take no offense even when my human nature bristles at His conviction and even at His gentle mercies?