What Jesus Did! 'God's Word in the Wrong Hands' — Matthew 2:3-6

Thursday, January 9, 2025

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard [about the newborn king of the Jews from the wise men], as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"

"In Bethlehem in Judea," they said, "for this is what the prophet wrote:

'And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' "

— Matthew 2:3-6 NLT

Key Thought

While God is full of surprises, he has repeatedly given his people help in understanding - even anticipating - his greatest works of salvation. The prophets had seen a new David coming to redeem and lead God's people. Like David of old, this new David would also be from the town of Bethlehem, and he would be the Great Shepherd. But, like so many in our time, Herod was more interested in using this knowledge of God's plan to help himself rather than to be molded into a person of God. We must learn that God's word in Scripture is given to us to help us know, obey, and worship him, not simply to collect a set of facts to use for our own personal advantage.

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, I want to know your word so I may more perfectly obey your will. Please help me to find your truth and live it, not just discuss it or use it for my own selfish purposes. I pray this in the name of the Living Word. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Samuel 16:1-2
  • 1 Chronicles 11:16-19
  • John 7:41-42

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19 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 2:4-6
Devo: Today's Verse
"When King Herod 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..."
Out of Judea
Illustration of Matthew 2:4-6
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 2:4-6 -- ...for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.
Matthew 2:6
Devo: Today's Verse
"[As the prophet Micah 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..."
Move Beyond the God Talk
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Partner in the Kingdom, People can speak in "God talk" and live in anti-God ways. Unfortunately, Christmas is a time when a lot of that happens...."
See All 19 Related Resources about Matthew 2:3-6

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 2:3-6 NLT — "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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