Journey to Bethlehem: An Advent Challenge

Day 20: Read Matthew 2:3-6

Wise Men Come to Visit Jesus

Matthew 2:3-6 reveals King Herod's reaction to the wise mens' news about the King of the Jews being born. King Herod was troubled when he heard this and the people in Jerusalem were troubled too. Herod then called a meeting of all the leading priests and teachers of the law so that he could ask them where the Christ would be born. The priests and teachers of law answered him, "In the town of Bethlehem in Judea. The prophet wrote about this in the Scriptures: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are important among the tribes of Judah. A ruler will come from you who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.'" This verse from the prophet can be found in Micah 5:2.

King Herod was troubled when he heard the news about Jesus because it threatened his rule over the people. He would not be able to compete with the King of the Jews, who God Himself had appointed.  This news threatened his power and his livelihood, which would have been very troubling at this time. During this time, kings came into power when their predecessor had died or when their predecessor appointed them king on their deathbed. To no longer be called king was to no longer be alive. I believe that the people in Jerusalem were also troubled by this news because a new king meant new rules and a change in their lives. The hardships they faced under King Herod's rule might be intensified. I don't believe the people in Jerusalem were associating the news of a king with the birth of a Savior. It is also possible that the majority of the people were not familiar enough with the Scriptures to know the words of the prophet.

The priests and the teachers of the law were familiar with the Scriptures, which is the reason why King Herod asked them to tell him where the baby would be born. These men knew what the Scriptures said and were able to answer the king with a direct quote from Scripture. To them the prophet had made clear that the baby would be born in Bethlehem. This baby would be a ruler for God's people and be to them like a shepherd is to his sheep. A shepherd guides the sheep, protects the sheep, and essentially rules over the sheep, which translates into King Herod is out of a job. Understanding this passage is important because it gives insight into King Herod's future actions. In the season of Jesus' birth there was both glory and darkness that came from uncertainty. Everyone wasn't rejoicing and this is a part of the Christmas story that most people overlook.

Journey to Bethlehem: An Advent Challenge

Day 15: Read Luke 2:8-12

Shepherds Hear About Jesus

Luke 2:8-12 recounts how shepherds were told about the birth of Jesus. The night of Jesus' birth there were shepherds in a nearby field that were watching sheep. An angel of the Lord came to them in the field and stood before them. The glory of the Lord was surrounding them, which made them frightened. The angel told the shepherds not to be frightened because he was bringing them good news, "Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord." The angel told the shepherds that they would know it was Jesus because they would find him wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feed box. 

Jesus' birth could have been announced to kings or priests, yet instead it was announced to shepherds. Announcing His birth to a king may have caused His destruction, as we saw when the wise men told King Herod about the star they were seeking; while telling the priests would have been met with much speculation, as we can see in Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees during His 3 year ministry. Wise men were already seeking a star that they believed would show them the place of the Savior and so did not need an announcement. However, the shepherds or common people were the ones who most needed a Savior. The shepherds were not rich, but their hearts were humble and ready for a Savior. Again, we see that humbleness is rewarded. 

The shepherds are told exactly how they will find the baby in order that they would know it was Him.  This is important because Jesus wouldn't have been the only baby born in Bethlehem and the humbleness of His birth would have led people to conclude He wasn't their Savior. Again, the specific information given is crucial to verifying the authenticity of the news the people are receiving. The shepherds can confirm it was truly good news and this was their Savior based on the accuracy of the angel's description when the shepherds found Jesus. The authenticity of the angel's words are going to produce faith in the shepherds and this faith will restore their relationship with God. The humble beginnings of Jesus' birth and announcement to the shepherds nearby is only an indication of the glory God is going to demonstrate through His life.