When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Micah‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭4‬
[The word of the Lord to the prophet Micah]
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

For earthly kingdom-builders, like Herod, the honoring, by others, of a child-king in their domain was a threat. It is a potential uprising waiting to happen. Just look at the descriptive words of this leader: “stand and shepherd in faith”, his “majesty” and “greatness” will reach the end of the earth. And back in these times, some of the rulers preferred to be worshipped themselves like a god.

So when the Magi were asking around about Jesus, to see if anyone knew about him, it created an interesting uproar.

The Messiah was the long-held hope for deliverance from the Jews’ oppressors. He was prophesied and the writings of the prophets were studied from one generation to another.

When the Jews heard of this, they became excited and likely started to think about freedom from the Romans. When Herod thought of the coming Messiah, he thought of a threat to his kingdom and motivation for a Jewish rebellion against Rome. When the Magi thought of the coming King, wonder filled their hearts. They wanted to act in honor of him.

How will I respond to King Jesus? Will I use him to accomplish my own goals, see him as a threat to my pleasure- and power-driven sinful life, or will I simply follow him and honor him?

Lord, teach me to act like the Magi and give you the glory and praise you deserve. May I, in wonder, follow you!