Contemplative Bible Reading

Matthew 2:1-3 (New Living Translation)

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.

This is about the earthly birth of Jesus. Some wise mean from the eastern lands had come to worship the “newborn king of the Jews.”

King Herod was disturbed by these far-fetched stories. That is to be expected as he was the king and wouldn’t be happy about a new king being born. Note also that everyone in Jerusalem was involved.

It is a bit difficult to interpret how this is translated. Was it that everyone had heard the stories? Was it that everyone was disturbed by the stories? Was it that everyone was hoping the stories were true?