Joseph and Mary probably thought they would be unknown as they entered the temple. They were a poor young couple just coming to the temple to complete the purification according to the law of Moses. Now Simeon has come and held their son, speaking amazing things over him, and before they can go on their way, another comes in, Anna, a prophetess. She was widowed after only seven years of marriage and has lived in the temple fasting and praying night and day, from then until now, at age 84.
“She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38 (NLT)
So far, we’ve seen that from the time of Jesus’ birth, those who encountered Him ended up praising God and telling everyone they knew about Him, but let’s move back into Matthew and see if everyone feels the same way.
Matthew begins chapter two, letting us know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of King Herod. He was known for many good things but was also known for being very paranoid and cruel. In fits of rage and jealous paranoia, he was reported to have killed close associates and family members. Caesar Augustus was known to say that it was safer to be Herod’s pig than it was to be Herod’s son.
Wise men from the East arrived in Jerusalem asking about a newborn king. This was not going to go over very well.
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem, which really means just the leaders. We know that Simeon and Anna were thrilled, and there were others who were waiting expectantly for their Messiah. Herod called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of the religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” Matthew 2:2-4 (NLT)
Wealthy, wise men have traveled far from the East to come and worship this baby, who is a king from birth. That in itself is incredible. He is already ruling and reigning before he has ever done one thing, which is evidenced by those who immediately recognize his kingship and worship him and those who recognize it and are deeply disturbed by it.
The leading priests and teachers of religious law should have been as joyful as the shepherds seeking their Messiah. They knew exactly where He was supposed to be born. They can quote Micah 5:2. They knew He would be born in Bethlehem and that He would be ‘a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’ So why aren’t they ecstatic, why are they deeply disturbed? They were supposed to be leading the people of Israel spiritually. Instead, hearing this meant a threat to their power as it did Herod’s. This is probably why they didn’t get a visit from the angels proclaiming the birth.
Today’s truth is this, to those who recognize their need for a Savior, Jesus is life. To those who seek their own power and authority and reject Him, He is a threat. The same treatment Jesus received as He walked this earth is the same that believers can expect. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT) – “To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume.” When we seek to save our reputation over seeking Him, we are no better than the religious leaders in Jesus’ day.
Debbie's Perspective 
Leave a comment