Matthew 2:1 – 6 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
The wise men came to the logical place to find a recently born king. Kings are usually born in palaces. They did not find Jesus there however. God rarely does things in a manner that follows the pattern or the wisdom of the world.
Too often Christians look for Jesus in the wrong places as well. They try to find Him through good works, or spiritual experiences, or in places He used to be. None of these things are inherently wrong. God created us for Good works. I believe God provides spiritual experiences (miracles, visions, manifestations, signs & wonders) for our benefit. Seeing what God has done in the past can give us insight into His character and His heart. The problem comes when we use these methods as our main way of connecting with Jesus.
Ironically, Herod gave the wise men the proper method to find Jesus. He told his religious advisors to search the scriptures. God’s Word is always the right place to find God. Yes, God does speak in other ways, but the Bible should be the predominate way we learn about Him and listen to Him. When we read the Bible and put what it says into practice, we will find Jesus.
God, I want to know you. Teach me from Your Word. Enlighten me through Your Holy Spirit as I study Your scriptures. Empower me to live out what you show me.