You know when you hear all about how great someone is you have not met before, and you are just chomping at the bit to meet them. That is how the Magi felt in Matthew 2:1-12. They knew the scriptures and were willing to travel a long way with valuable treasures in tow. They were not content with just the knowledge, they wanted to meet him face to face. Once they met him, they worshiped him and gave him their various gifts, they were even willing to betray the king for him.
Elsewhere in scripture, we find the dreaded Saul. He was so convinced of his knowledge and understanding that he was willing to seek the destruction of the new church. A single encounter with Jesus changed everything for him and he became the famous apostle, Paul. A veritable champion of the faith!
Another time Jesus talked to the woman at the well, and through their conversation, changed her life and the lives of her entire town. She knew about the scriptures and had a loose idea of what they meant, but her limited knowledge had not changed her, it allowed her to continue her wicked and twisted lifestyle. Then she met Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We can focus on studying scripture and learning more about God’s character.” We will encounter Jesus there.
Even as believers, it’s possible to lose focus on the most important thing. Like the Magi, we can seek Jesus, offer him our best, our time, our focus, and our love. Let’s reacquaint ourselves with the best part of life, our personal relationship with Jesus.
Jonathan Duncan