“…Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked,
“Where is he one who has been born King of the Jews?”
Christmas has come and gone. It is the same story told again and again every December. The Christmas songs, the children’s replay of the manger scene, the Christmas dinner and gift exchanges are part of our tradition. Does anyone really believe that the King of Jews has been born?
The teachers of the Law knew where the King of the Jews was to be born, but didn’t know when. The people of Israel perhaps knew where the King of the Jews was to be born, if they listen carefully at the synagogue. King Herod wanted to know where the King of the Jews was to be born. Everyone knew the birth place of the coming Messiah except the Magi.
Did you noticed what the Magi said? They asked, “Where is one who HAS BEEN BORN King of the Jews?” The Magi’s question of WHERE is not just a location. The Magi were saying that the King of Jews is already here! They were late in coming to His birth for they had traveled a great distance. The Magi answered the age-old question for them!
If you and I were there when we heard the Magi asking, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?”, what would your response be? Would we go to Bethlehem? Would we reason that the Magi are disillusioned and stayed home? Besides, it’s awkward knocking on stranger’s door to ask if they have a baby and is that baby the King of the Jews. They would think that we are insane!
No one went to Bethlehem except the Magi. If we went, we would have heard the incredible testimony of Mary and of Joseph. We would have seen the babe who is the King of the Jews. Only foreigners saw that baby and worshiped Him. Only strangers brought gifts to Him. The long-awaited news of the coming Messiah was answered by the Magi!
Today, we don’t have to go to Bethlehem. The Heavenly Father has sent His Son, Jesus Christ to be the Savior-King of the world. It’s not just a biblical verse in the Bible. The Savior-King has come and has given His life for you and for me. Don’t ignore the testimony of the Magi, Mary, and Joseph. If you and I ignore the recorded narrative of the birth of the King of Jews, our understanding of Jesus’ life and purpose would be diminished or even distorted. He’s more than a good, moral man or teacher. He is the Savior-King for you and for me. He is the reason for the season of Christmas. Christ the Lord has been born for you and for me in giving His life so that we can have the forgiveness of sin. That’s news that can’t be ignored!
Kingston Tong
December 2022