Close But Not Quite

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel”’” (Matthew 2:3-6).

To their credit, these theologians—without even looking up the passages—spilled out the answer to Herod’s question. They knew the answer. But, notice this: not one of the chief priests and scribes leaves Jerusalem to go to Bethlehem and see the Messiah who had come. These theologians were so captivated by their religious activity and adherence to the Law and their traditions that Jesus meant nothing to them. Their eyes were completely closed to the work of God right in front of their faces.

It’s hard to imagine this, but isn’t it so close to where we live our lives? This is a warning for us. Knowledge about God, religious activity, and tradition are no substitute for the reality of knowing Jesus personally as our Savior. Knowledge of the Bible and the things of God are worthless without a willingness to submit ourselves to the truth to which it points.

—Steve Muncherian