An often overlooked part of the Christmas story is that there were those who chose not to worship the Messiah. When King Herod was told by the Magi that they were going to worship the King of the Jews, Herod felt threatened. The chief priests and scribes that were with Herod also did not go to worship Jesus.
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, 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.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
(Matthew 2:1-4 ESV)
Herod’s feeling of being threatened by this baby King led him to slaughter all the boys in Bethlehem two years old and younger. (Matthew 2:16) His response, and the response of the priests and scribes, is not surprising. There have continued to be many people who, when told the news of the Messiah, chose not to worship Him. For those who’s hearts are hard and proud, the idea that someone saving them from their sins is not appealing.
Let’s pray for those who’s hearts are hard to the gospel, that they would open their eyes to their need of the Saviour. Also, pray for those of us who have chosen to worship Christ. May our hearts be always drawn to Christ.
William Knelsen 