MONDAY, DECEMBER 24
Matthew 2:1-12
Luke 1:26-38

“Where is he that is born
King of the Jews?”

WHY SEEK YE JESUS? (I)

In Matthew 2:1-12, we find two types of seekers.

The first type of seeker is exemplified by King Herod. He was known as Herod the Great and reigned over the Judean region from 37 to 4 BC. He was a great builder, who prided himself in his many magnificent projects and monuments. This included renovating and beautifying the Temple to win the favour of the Jews. He was also renowned as a ruthless man, who killed even his own family members in order to consolidate his power on the throne.

Herod became troubled when he heard that the wise men from the east were come to Jerusalem to seek for Jesus. These wise men were magi from Persia who probably learned about the Messiah from the writings and testimonies of Daniel some five hundred years ago. Their description of Jesus as “King of the Jews” troubled Herod. Herein was another threat to his political power. To find the location of Jesus, Herod commanded the Jewish religious leaders to tell him where Christ would be born. They pointed to the Old Testament Scriptures which declared that Christ would be born in Bethlehem. This very Christ would also be the Governor of His people Israel.

Having established where Christ was to be born, Herod told the wise men to seek for Jesus diligently. He deceitfully declared that he was an earnest seeker just like them who wanted to worship Christ. But the truth was that he wanted Christ dead. His true motives were revealed when he later ordered all the children (under two years old) in Bethlehem to be killed. The wise men sought Jesus, Herod too sought Him. But this king sought to destroy Jesus, not to worship Him! He was determined to eliminate Jesus at all cost.

Herod died shortly after the killing of the children of Bethlehem in 4 BC. No man can escape the divine judgment of God.

THOUGHT: Am I a true seeker of Jesus?
PRAYER: Father, I rejoice in Christ as my Saviour.