Advent Dec 13: Knowledge Should Lead to Worship

Readings for December 13: Micah 5:2, 2 Samuel 5:2, and Matthew 2:1-12

Reflection: Knowledge Should Lead to Worship

How well do you know the prophecies of the Old Testament? Do you read them? Study them? Do you search for Christ in them? There are still many prophecies in the Bible I don’t fully understand, so I really appreciate when the New Testament writers help us with the meaning of Old Testament texts.

Today, we’re considering the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Initially, the main significance of Bethlehem is its insignificance, a small town of no great importance. But, then comes King David and the messianic promises that come through him.

I’d like to make a few observations about how this prophecy becomes a part of Matthew’s narrative.

First, the correct interpretation of the prophecy comes from the chief priests and scribes. We are accustomed to hearing about the fulfillment of prophecies from Apostles or even from Jesus, but here, we are informed by the very people who will marginalize Jesus and eventually murder him. So, for all the times we might wonder why the Jews didn’t recognize Jesus as Messiah, we should at least remember that they had this prophecy right. I’m left wondering if any of the chief priests or scribes headed for Bethlehem to find out what the wise men would find.

Second, this prophetic interpretation regarding Jesus’ birthplace was used by Herod to cause great suffering. Herod, attempting to understand the times—and attempting to maintain power—got the right information. But, he used it only for his own power, while many others suffered death or loss. He did search for Jesus, but only to kill him.

Third, the wise men used the truth to find and worship the Messiah. Their pursuit of knowledge led to worship.

We now have such an abundance of information about Jesus and the gospel—so much more than the scribes and chief priests had at Jesus’ birth. How will we respond? Will we be like the chief priests and scribes who didn’t even go to Bethlehem to find the Messiah? Will we use the Scriptures for religious skirmishes and arguments over philosophy, attempting to strengthen our own positions?

Or, will we pursue the Christ revealed in the Scriptures so that we can worship him? Let us search the Scriptures diligently to know and worship the one who died for us and who was raised so that we may live with him.

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. John 5:39–40

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

How silently how silently
The wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear His coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel

John McLeod