We see three "players" in the verses we read today.
First, we see King Herod ... and he was "disturbed". These Magi from the east were asking about the birth of a King of the Jews? But Herod was the king of the Jews ... and his offspring would be the next in position. Herod was "disturbed". Herod had the position and power ... he had the wealth and control. He had made himself useful to the Romans through the civil wars of Palestine so Rome trusted him. He was the only ruler of Palestine who ever succeeded in keeping the peace and in bringing any order to the general status of chaos that existed in the region.
He was a great architect. He was also insanely suspicious. Any rivals to his power were simply eliminated ... even three of his sons and one of his wives. So this "news" disturbed him. And it disturbed Jerusalem as well. They knew the ends to which Herod would go to eradicate this newest threat. So Herod begins to plot ...
There can still be hatred and hostility to the news about Jesus. There are still those who would rather destroy Jesus than hear him, certainly than submit to him. We should not be surprised.
The second set of players are the chief priests and the teachers of the law (vs. 4 - 5) They were called in to provide information for Herod. They gave it ... and evidently just went about there business. We have no indication that there was either interest or curiosity about the question from Herod. If all Jerusalem knew about the Magi visit, then these leaders would have know as well. Why did they not seek out the child themselves?
The only plausible explanation would be that they were totally indifferent. It just did not make any difference to them. They most likely went back to their religious duties.
There are still those who are so interested in their own business that Jesus makes no difference to them at all. Believe it if you like ... but don't bother me with any of that stuff. We should not be surprised.
Thirdly, we see these Magi. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, "The Magi were men of holiness and wisdom. They were skilled in philosophy, medicine and natural science. They were soothsayers and interpreters of dreams." In those ancient days, everyone believed in astrology and this star made a splash. We don't really know what they saw ... but it was their profession to watch the heavens ... and something they saw was extraordinary ... and drew them to Palestine.
Their reaction to the birth of Jesus was one of adoration and worship. They were willing to make quite an arduous journey ... one that required effort and expense ... to see ... to worship.
There are still those who fall and worship. There are still those who are willing to make whatever sacrifices are required to serve and adore this King. We should not be surprised.
Now here is the question: Into which category do you fall? I suspect you are not in the Herod group ... the fact that you are reading this is evidence! But can you fall into the 'indifferent' group? How we must fight being so wrapped up in our own lives that we are complacent and careless about our King. Are you one of the ones who fall down and worship this King?
Notice their gifts ... gold is a gift for a King. Frankincense is a gift for a Priest. Myrrh is a gift for one's burial. And through those gifts we gain another glimpse into the person of Jesus.
He is our King
He is our High Priest
He died to pay our penalty
How can we not worship? What of your "treasures" will you lay before Him today? Be intentional ... be generous ... He is worthy of our adoration and worship.
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