Each week, let’s reflect upon Sunday’s teaching through further exploration…
What do our expectations reveal about us?
“Accept or Deny the Message?” (Message Received Sermon Series)
In Matthew 2:1-12, we’re presented with these characters in what we label as the Christmas narrative: the Magi and King Herod. The Magi (from faraway lands) were expecting the Messiah; they had been for hundreds of years. Jason explained this through Daniel’s prophecy found in Daniel 9 as well as through the pagan prophet Balaam who proclaimed a “star shall come out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). When the star appeared, they followed it, bowed down at the sight of the child Jesus, worshiped Him, and presented Him with gifts of great worth (Matthew 2:9-11). Their expectations, grounded in Old Testament prophecy, revealed their faith.
King Herod, on the other hand, didn’t have the same expectations. He wasn’t looking for a Messiah. Based on what we know from Matthew’s gospel and other historical accounts, Herod’s world revolved around power and success. A baby boy whom Magi referred to as “the king of the Jews” – Herod’s own title – did not support his plan! Herod sought to eliminate the threat by killing all boys in the Bethlehem area who were two years old and under (Matthew 2:16). His expectations, grounded in power, revealed his selfishness.
The Magi sought Jesus to worship; King Herod sought Jesus to kill. That established a pattern seen vividly in the gospel accounts – there were those who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and worshiped Him in faith, and there were those who denied Jesus as Messiah and murdered Him in selfishness.
What do we do with Jesus? What do our expectations of Him reveal about us? Don’t be too quick to answer those questions. Sit with them for a few moments. Lift them in voice to God.
When I reflect on those questions, I realize how often I’ve made Jesus try to fit the mold my expectations have created. And sometimes when He doesn’t meet my expectations, I get angry. I take matters into my own hands. I seek to destroy through my attitude, words, and actions. Just like King Herod, just like the priests and teachers of the law. Instead of bowing down in worship of my true King and Messiah, I bow down to honor my own selfish motives and desires.
If your reflection of those questions and time exploring them with the Lord have led you to similar realizations, would you pray with me?
Holy Father, I’m so quick to point out in Scripture the selfish motives of others but reluctant to realize the same sinfulness in myself. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I’ve sought personal gain, the times I’ve resembled King Herod and the priests and teachers of the law. Give me the wisdom and strength to seek instead Jesus the Messiah, to follow in faith where You lead, to bow down in worship of Him, like the Magi thousands of years ago. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. – Numbers 24:17