December 30 | Matthew 2:1-12
- Pastor Dave Mann
- Dec 30, 2024
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Are We Wise Men and Women?
By Dave Mann
Of all the characters of the original Christmas story, the magi are the most curious. There is a striking contrast between the religious leaders in Jerusalem and the magi. The magi, supposing that the star's appearance was a sign that the reigning king (Herod) must have had a newborn child, made a long, arduous trip to investigate. They logically first stopped at Herod’s palace. But they found no royal newborn there to honor. Suspecting there might be a challenge to his power, Herod called on the religious leaders to ascertain what the Hebrew prophecies might say. The priests knew the Scriptures and correctly cited Micah 5:2, pointing the magi to Bethlehem.
The magi were delighted, especially when the star reappeared and confirmed the matter, as it moved toward Bethlehem. They advanced to the small town, where they presented their gifts and worshiped Jesus. These mysterious men – likely from a pagan culture, possibly immersed in astrology, presuming that stars had the power to give spiritual advice – these men, in some ways very distant from the truth, actually drew near and worshiped Jesus.
In contrast, what did the chief priests do? Did they exhibit a bit of curiosity that perhaps the Messiah was born? Did they even send someone to Bethlehem to check it out? They had the Scriptures and the head knowledge. They could cite the specific verse concerning the birthplace of the predicted Messiah. But did this knowledge move them one step closer to God? Did they ask God for the eyes to recognize their Messiah? Sadly, no.
As I write this reflection, I suppose some of you who read this reflection are like me. We might have more in common with the chief priests than with the magi. We know the Scriptures. We can often cite chapter and verse. We participate in religious events, especially at Christmas time. We are not involved with astrology and would not make a long, hard trip to honor an unknown newborn king.
Sometimes those who grow up in a culture traditionally distant from the Lord are the bravest to ask the best questions. The magi saw something (a star) that they thought might lead them to the truth. When they arrived at the king’s palace (actually the wrong place), they did not give up on their quest but continued with the new information from an Old Testament prophecy and followed the star further. Furthermore, when they came into the very presence of Jesus, they presented gifts and bowed in worship.
Because of this uncomfortable comparison, I fall on my knees and implore the Lord:
O Lord, use the example of the magi to shake me out of my spiritual and religious slumber. Lord, use the curiosity of the magi to move me to worship, to obey, to offer my gifts and myself to you. May I be a wise man or woman who truly follows Jesus. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DAVE MANN
I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.
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