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A Humble King, But a King Nonetheless | Matthew 2: 1-12

The circumstances don't change who Jesus is

Author

Caleb Lee
January 03, 2024

Have you ever met someone famous out in public?

Did the location they were in change the nature of their fame?

That’s not quite how it works.

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, 2  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.” 3  When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4  and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘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.’”

7  Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8  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.” 9  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. 10  When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11  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. 12  And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Matthew 2:1-12

This passage has always been interesting to me for a couple of reasons:

  1. Where did these wise men come from exactly? They never show up again anywhere in the Scriptures.

  2. It’s fascinating that men from the East would have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the king of another people, while the Jews themselves were oblivious to Jesus’ birth.

But something else that sticks out is their reaction to seeing Jesus for the first time. Jesus isn’t in a palace, dressed nicely, and surrounded by attendants. He’s in a lowly manger in a small town called Bethlehem.

And yet, they rejoice. In fact, it says that “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.“

Why?

Because they understood who was lying in the manger. They understood that this was the King. And it didn’t matter if he was in a manger. That doesn’t change who He is.

That still applies today. He is still the King. It doesn’t matter what you’re going through, the circumstances, the trials, the tribulations. He is still the Lord of the Universe.

So trust Him. Praise Him. Rejoice with great joy!

You’re in good company.

Have a blessed January 3rd!

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