Knowing the right answer is overrated. A heart moved by the truth is beyond measure.
In Matthew’s account of the Christmas story three wise men (rich pagan astrologers, actually) follow a star to Israel. They know the star is the herald of a new king and a new world order. Because these men understand protocol and honor, they pay a visit to the current king of Israel. The Magi presumed Herod and his court would be aware of this epochal change:
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." 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 Christ 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 be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" (Matthew 2: 2 - 6)
'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 be the shepherd of my people Israel.'" (Matthew 2: 2 - 6)
I have always been astonished at this passage. The Magi had gone as far as their knowledge could take them. They had already traveled a long way and were willing to go the distance. The chief priests and teachers of Israel--the religious professionals--could correctly answer the question regarding the birthplace of the king, but not one of them said to the Magi, “What?!? It’s happening now? We must go with you to see the king.”
Not a single scholar went to see the the hope of Israel and Savior of the world. They were content with knowing the correct answer, but their hearts were apparently unwilling to experience the truth first-hand. This Monday, this Christmas season, may God deliver us from right answers living in cold hearts.
