FIVE MILES TO JESUS When Herod heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (Matthew 2:3). The citizens of Jerusalem got the news of foreigners showing up asking about the birth of the new King. Some, if not most, knew the prophecies of Micah (5:2) naming Bethlehem as the place. Bethlehem is 5 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Five miles. You can walk it in an hour. The question is why didnt they? Why did not the city empty out as the people poured into the City of David to find the long-awaited Christ-child? I have no answer, but speculation aplenty. Two things Jesus said later come to mind here.... The first: The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And indeed, a greater than Solomon is here (Matthew 12:42). How far would you be willing to walk to see Jesus? The second: On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.... Out of his heart will flow rivers of living waters (John 7:37-39). Imagine Jesus crying out. Why do you suppose He did that? When we read up on this feast and all the activities associated with it, we conclude that these people were so busy with their religious ceremonies and rituals, they were overlooking the Christ in their midst. Sound like anyone you know? So Jesus was literally yelling to get their attention. Let us not be so busy with our Christmas activities that we overlook the Lord of all, the wonderful Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to Him and worship.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 11:26:53 +0000