After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”  Matthew 2:1-2 HCSB

There was an interesting thing going on after Jesus’ birth. The Shepherds dropped everything they were doing and went to find Jesus.

When Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the temple, Simeon, a righteous man had waited to see baby Jesus. He told God now he can die in peace having seen the Messiah.

Anna was a widow, also in the temple, who praised God after seeing the baby.

The wise men sought Jesus they traveled from the east perhaps from Babylon or Persia. They may have travelled over 1700 miles. This journey may have taken a couple months at least. They saw the star and followed it. When they showed up, they ran into King Herod and asked where they could find the King of the Jews.

King Herod, like many others, thought that Jesus had been born to be a political king. He didn’t understand that baby Jesus was not trying to get his job of being King in Jerusalem. Because of his lack of understanding he was trying to trick the wise men into telling him where he could find baby Jesus. He said he wanted to worship Him, but in reality, he wanted to kill Him.

The Wise Men travelled on following that star and finally it led them to the home of Joseph and Mary where they found Jesus as a young child. He could have been several months old or perhaps even a year or two. We really don’t know. The wise men came in and fell down and worshipped Him. They brought gifts fit for a king, gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Through divine intervention, they failed to go near Herod and report to him where they had found Jesus.

An angel of the Lord told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt and stay there until Herod’s death and he did as the angel instructed.

Herod was so furious when he realized the wise men had outwitted him, he flew into a rage and ordered the massacre of all male children in and around Bethlehem that were two years old or younger.

In this Christmas season, I ask you to consider whether you are wise or whether you lack understanding when it comes to who Jesus really is. Many of us claim to be saved and claim to know Him. But then we live as though we don’t really understand.

The wise men understood. They travelled afar to see Jesus. They didn’t stop until they found Him. When they found Him, they bowed down and worshipped Him. They brought Him gifts.

Herod didn’t understand and rejected Jesus and even went so far as to try to kill Him. Jesus died because of us. Herod only attempted to kill Him. At the age of 33, however, Jesus died on that cross because of your sin and mine. We caused the bloodshed of Jesus Christ. And only His blood can save us from an eternity in hell.

If you don’t understand you can wise up. Get to know Him. James 4:8 tells us if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. Study about His life and His death and His resurrection. Learn to imitate Him (Ephesians 5:1). Learn to understand who He truly is and what this means to us.

Have a great day!