Foreigners

December 22nd, 2020

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose 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 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.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-8, NIV

Men, traveling for miles, likely over a period of months, came looking for Jesus. They had studied the prophets of old and knew the King would be born in Bethlehem. Somehow, from their studies of the stars, they knew it was happening in their generation. 

Bethlehem and Israel in general would not prepare room for Jesus. There would be no room for them in the Inn. Jesus was right there in their midst, and they would miss him.  But from the other side of the world, seekers would come and find him. 

Foreigners would show the world what really mattered. 

It’s common for people of any race or nationality to consider their views and perspectives as the best. It’s very common, but that doesn’t make it right. This story of the men from the east reminds us that sometimes other people from other cultures can show us what we should be looking for. If we look to them, they can show us Jesus in ways we never thought possible. 

How familiar are you with the church in other parts of the world? Is there a foreign expression of Christianity (or any religion) that has helped shape your faith?

Prayer: God, the One who draws people from all nations, draw me in as well. Help me not to miss Jesus who is in our midst. Amen.