top of page
Search

October 31, 2022 - Matthew 2

“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” (2:1). The Bible is full of contrasts: Cain vs. Abel, Noah vs. his generation, Joseph vs. his brothers, Israel vs. the Canaanites, Moses vs. Pharaoh, David vs. Saul, the righteous man vs. the wicked (Psalm 1), Jesus vs. the Pharisees, sheep vs. goats, and so on. Here’s a great contrast between the wise men, who sought out the baby, and Herod who sought to kill him.


Herod’s actions, in and of themselves, were despicable and evil. Making them even more so is the fact that the wise men had told him the good news of the birth of Messiah and the place: “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘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’” (2:5-6). How dark is the heart that refuses the Savior! But how wonderful are the promises given to those who receive him! The writer of Hebrews gives us this great promise: “Whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Wise men still seek him!


As with joyful steps they sped,

Savior, to thy lowly bed,

there to bend the knee before

thee, whom heav’n and earth adore,

so may we with willing feet

ever seek thy mercy seat. -- W. Chatterton Dix (1861)

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Chapter three begins: “Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt” (3:1). This thing has the potential for not ending well! (More on the end of Solomon’s reign, another day.) The pe

David in his last years. A life lived well, but clearly a human life. Lots of highs and lots of lows. At the end, trouble with Adonijah, one of his sons. But Solomon sits on the throne after David,

The rebellions against David’s rule continue with Sheba. He was a “worthless man” (20:1) who sought to pull the northern tribes away from David. Joab, David’s general, pursued Sheba to kill him. It

bottom of page