Christmas ViewpointSample

The Chief Priests and Teachers – Researchers on Demand

'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.’”

The dramatic scene is set. The Magi question the whereabouts of the newborn King, which creates a domino effect of suspicion and insecurity on Herod's part. He then calls together his experts – the chief priests and teachers of the law - to zero in on the location of the Baby. Herod can have him executed to secure his seat on the throne of Judea.

Imagine the stress these experts of Jewish history are under. This is priority number one to their boss, who has the power to execute them if they are off by one degree in pinpointing the Christ Child’s place of birth. Whatever the answer, however accurate, someone’s life is at stake – the Christ Child or theirs.

These men were Jews anxiously awaiting their Messiah like the rest of their brothers and sisters. They knew the location and could have convinced Herod they would go to see where the Christ Child was. But they compromised that plan so they could celebrate the Messiah they had yearned to come and rescue them. They took the easy way, shared the information with Herod, and then tucked themselves comfortably in their palace offices, believing they had secured their status quo.

Viewpoint Reflection

When in your life have you compromised? What was the outcome of it? What is one lesson you have learned from that experience that will help you be a stronger person of integrity?