Don't Miss the Savior

Matthew 2:1–12 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:    “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,         are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;    for from you shall come a ruler         who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 

We are probably familiar with the three kings that came to see Jesus at His birth. Except there may or may not have been three of them. And they probably weren't kings. And they likely weren't at the manger. But still, the story of these wise men who came from the east to bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh is familiar to the Christmas narrative. These men, who were likely not acquainted with the Jewish Scriptures, followed a star that led them to the one born as King of the Jews. How they knew the significance of this star is unknown, but obviously the Holy Spirit was drawing them to Christ. 

They come to Herod with the news, and in response Herod summons the priests and scribes to figure out where Jesus has been born. These are the priests and scholars who should be eagerly expecting and looking for the Messiah's coming. And here they have evidence that He has come! So what do they do? Nothing. They don't immediately accompany the wise men to Bethlehem. They don't go to see if it's true at all. In fact, we don't hear from this team again. 

Now perhaps there are reasons for their not going. Maybe they were afraid of Herod, who was a blood-thirsty and power-hungry ruler. Maybe Herod didn't tell them why he had summoned them to ask (although that seems unlikely, since the text says the city was troubled with him). Whatever the case, these guys – the ones who should have been the first in line to welcome the Messiah – just disappear in the narrative. They don't pursue their Savior. They missed Jesus' coming in their own back yard, while the wise men traveled from far away to see.  

Today, in the continued hustle and bustle that follows the holiday season, let us not fail to pursue Christ. Let us seek to follow Him, to search for Him diligently, regardless of what our circumstances may be. Pursue Jesus at any cost!