The 2nd Group of (not so) wisemen

The 2nd Group of (not so) wisemen

   Matthew 2: 1-12 is the story of the Magi (aka “The wise men”) who visited Jesus and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  But who were the 2nd group of wise men, or really they were not.  They’re in that same story.

   When the Magi came into Jerusalem, they went to Herod, inquiring about “the newborn king of the Jews.”  Herod was “disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.”  So he called his advisors to inquire about the “new king.”

   They told him of the sign (the star) and the predictions (birth in Bethlehem).  So Herod asks the Magi to come back and tell him where the child is, that he “may go and pay him homage”; reality plan — get rid of this newborn king.

  So Herod’s advisors were that 2nd Group of wise men, as they knew the signs and predictions.  But they were comfortable with Herod in power, and being by his side, they shared some of that good life.  Thus they did not want some new king to upset their status and lifestyle.

   Even though they were close, they weren’t willing to make that journey to meet Jesus.  The Magi traveled a great distance to find Jesus.  So in our faith journey, are we comfortable keeping Jesus at a distance, to not upset our conveniences?  Or do we leave our comfort zone to grow in our faith, and care for others’ needs as Jesus challenges us to do (Matthew 25: 31-46).