In life, humans need to equip themselves with the readiness to reflect on God's Word and recognize His will in our lives. Without this ability, life seems to go on without meaning. Unfortunately, we often fall into pride that prevents us from recognizing His will. This is depicted in the text we are reading today.

Herod was shocked when he encountered a group of scholars from the East who asked about the location of the newly born King. They were known as the Magi, originating from the region around Persia. Their skill in reading signs in nature to discover divine intentions and will made them an honored group in society. Their ability to find Jesus, the King, was also the result of their keen perception of natural signs.

Interestingly, Herod was unaware of the birth of Jesus, the King, the Messiah, whose birth had long been prophesied by the prophets. He then inquired of the Jewish religious leaders, and the birth of the King was confirmed by the priests and the experts in the Law. How could the Jewish people, who considered themselves the chosen nation of God, not know about the birth of the Messiah but rather learn of it from a group of foreign scholars? After all, the prophets had already written about His birth. This could be a critique by the Gospel of Matthew regarding the arrogance of Herod’s people. They found it difficult to accept Jesus, even though He was the long-promised Messiah.

Often, we too fall into similar spiritual pride. We feel that we are the most righteous in our worship and that we are the best at obeying His Word. However, God desires His people to be humble and open to all His teachings. He wants us to be sensitive to His will and recognize the signs of the times happening around us. Let us open ourselves to His rebuke and greetings. Let us read His Word with humility, not with our own mindset, so that His Word can truly transform us. May the Lord accompany our efforts to be sensitive to His will.