Thought to Guide Your Reading
Non-Chosen People celebrated Jesus' birth.Summary in 100 Words or Less
Scholars from the East asked Herod where the "King of the Jews" lived. They paid homage and gave gifts to Him.God's angel told Joseph to seek refuge in Egypt, fulfilling prophecy.
Herod slaughtered the infants in Bethlehem, the prophesied place of the Messiah's birth, in order to kill his rival. This fulfilled prophecy.
When Herod died, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus resettled in Nazareth, fulfilling prophecy.
The family travelled to Jerusalem for Passover. Twelve years-old, Jesus stayed behind in the Temple to deal with His Father's things. His parents frantically searched.
Jesus matured physically and spiritually, with God and people.
How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right
Non-Chosen People are entering the sphere of God's Influence.
The band of scholars from the East were not Jews. They were not Chosen People. Malachi told Israel there were many people outside their ethnic group that wanted to worship Him. Now we have an example of people doing such. Isaiah prophesied that God would open His Temple to outsiders. Another major theme in the New Testament is this opening of God's Direct Influence on non-Chosen People and their eventual invitation to join God's Chosen People.Herod commits infanticide because of his misguided jealousy.
Herod could not believe this newborn could be the next King of the Jews. He would not have anyone challenge his power; therefore, he murdered all of the children under two in Bethlehem to maintain his position. The irony of the story is that Jesus' Kingdom was not a worldly kingdom. He was not Herod's rival after all. Beware a love of power. It can lead you to commit horrible acts which may not help you in the end.Jesus grew up obedient to His parents.
Jesus was God in human form but he submitted to His parents. He grew physically, spiritually, and socially mature and was blessed by people and God. What a contrast between Jesus and Herod—Jesus was the Son of God but lived obedient to his earthly parents. Herod was the son of earthly parents but would not be obedient to God.Are you jealous of people who are not your rivals?
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