Think fast. Here is a pop quiz question. How did the wise men get to young Jesus? If you are like most people, you will say that the wise men followed the star. But that is not exactly the whole story is it? Matthew 2:2 tells us that at least initially the star only brought the wise men so far. They knew a new king had been born in Israel. But they didn't know how to get to Him. How did they find out where Jesus was? Matthew 2:5-6 tells us. They found out Jesus' location when someone shared the Scriptures with them.
I think that Matthew 2 is actually a great passage to read as I start reading through the NT, Psalms, and Proverbs in a year. I think that Matthew 2 reminds me of 2 important truths:
1. I don't get to know Jesus without the Bible. If it weren't for the Scriptures, the wise men don't get to Jesus. Yes, the star once again leads them out of Jerusalem to Bethlehem. But that happens only after they have heard the words of the prophet Micah. It is through the Bible that the wise men ultimately come to know Jesus more deeply and fully.
2. Reading and knowing the Bible is not enough. There is a danger in reading through the Scriptures of it becoming an academic exercise. We read for facts and information. Note that Herod and the chief priests and teachers of the Law had the information. Unlike the wise men, they knew where Jesus would be born. (Or in the case of Herod, he at least knew who to ask for the right answer). But knowing the Word did not equal knowing Jesus. Only the Wise Men acted in faith. In verse 11, the Wise Men give gifts to Jesus, recognizing Him as their sovereign King. Those who know the Scriptures do no such thing. Instead, Herod actually uses the knowledge of the Scriptures that he has been given to oppose God's plan! I need the reminder that the study of the Bible only does me good as it is combined with faith and obedience. Otherwise it might actually be a detriment to God's purposes!
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