Matthew 2:1-12

Of all the characters associated with the Christmas story, the wise men are some of the most mysterious and interesting. A group of Persian star gazers saw the star above the manger the night Jesus was born and discerned that a very important birth had taken place. They undertook a very long journey of many months to Jerusalem to find this baby king.

As they entered the city to great fanfare, they were brought to the palace of King Herod. Greatly disturbed, Herod inquired of the priests where such a child would be born.

When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied… Matthew 2:4-5 NIV

Bethlehem was about 5.5 miles from Jerusalem-less than a day’s walk. The Persians found their way to Jesus, but scripture does not record that Herod or any of the priests bothered to see if indeed the long-awaited Messiah had been born in nearby Bethlehem. Truly these Persian star-gazers really were the wise men in the Christmas story!!

Why do you think that Herod and the priests didn’t bother to go to Bethlehem?
Do you think you are more like the wise men or like Herod and the priests? Why?
Dear God, help me to always seek you each day that I may know You in a deeper way. In Jesus Name, amen.

(This devotion first appeared in devotional publication Take 5 Plus)