Responding to the star

I have begun studying the book of Matthew with Community Bible Study. (the website which includes an audio of the lectures is at toccoalavoniacbs.org) One of the questions asked us to list the groups of people who were listed in chapter 2 and what their response was to the birth of Jesus. As I read the chapter I noted that there were 4 groups: 1)the magi 2) Herod and all Jerusalem 3) the chief priest and teachers of the law and 4) Mary and Joseph. This chapter and the story of Jesus birth is a familiar one to most so as I looked at the responses of these 4 groups I realized that in the past I had overlooked one. I knew that the magi were overjoyed, worshiped Him and brought Him gifts. (isn't it interesting that the first people to come and worship the King of the Jews were Gentiles?) I also knew that Mary and Joseph obeyed every step of the way, protecting our young Savior. And, it didn't surprise me to read that Herod and all Jerusalem were "disturbed". People don't like change, especially when that change involves a threat to your position and possibly even your life. What did strike me as odd was the lack of response made by the priest and teachers of the law. Nothing. Nada. No response at all. They answered Herod's question, that's it. Did they even look at the night sky? Did they even wonder if it was true? Did they care if the Messiah really born? Nothing. I guess we all have that same choice today. Jesus said that he will come back someday. I hope that we believe that and are looking at the signs. Every generation must hold on to the promise of his return.

Another interesting point was made during the study of this chapter. The magi were probably from the Babylonian region. If we look back at the book of Daniel we will see that Daniel was promoted and was placed in charge of all the magi in Babylon because of his ability to interpret dreams (Daniel 3:48). Could it be that these magi that came to worship Jesus had learned about it (the prophesies about the Messiah) because of Daniel? Just a thought.