“Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying: Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him” (Matthew 2:7-8).
As the Magi asked throughout Jerusalem about the new-born King, they did not receive the answer they expected. On the contrary, the inhabitants of Jerusalem looked at them in surprise. “No, a king had not been born here recently.” Otherwise they would have heard about it!
Meanwhile, the arrival of the Magi and their story is the talk of the town. Everyone in Jerusalem has heard about it. Secretly, a messenger from King Herod arrives. “The king wants to speak to you.” The Magi gladly agree. Are they now going to find out more?
Once more they recount the entire story, and the king shows great interest, especially in the time of the star’s appearance.
Bethlehem! That is where you must go. Find the Child and let me know when you have found Him, so that I too may worship Him.
What might King Herod’s real motives have been?