Where is Jesus?

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

        Where is he who is born King of the Jews?" The star gazers got to the right general area and went naturally to the capital of Jerusalem.  Even today, stars can get you to the right area, but more satellites are needed to zero in precisely. Jesus would criticize the religious priests and scholars of the day, but this time they had it correct. Bethlehem was the place to find the ruler of the Jewish people. The knowledge was spot on, but those with societal standing weren't going to jettison it. Not to follow Magi out of the city on a wild goose chase of a dream. 

       What about us? Are we willing to ask "Where is Jesus?" and pursue the answer. We already know we will find Jesus among the poor, sick, and powerless. While correct, are we willing to act on that knowledge?

       When the star chasers found Jesus, their joy burst their treasure chests. Joy can unlock our hearts also. When we recognize Jesus, we can worry less about losing our standing and respond to His love. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, loosen our grip on what we deem important that prevents us from recognizing Jesus.  Give us joy in His presence. Amen