Busy in Bethlehem
The picture above is a painting by Pieter Bruegel, painted in 1566, titled "The Numbering of Bethlehem".
If you look closely you will notice a couple, a man with a carpenters saw and a women on a donkey, being Joseph and Mary.
What is so apparent in this picture, is that no body notices them. Nobody is rushing to help them. Nobody, is talking to them. Nobody even acknowledges them. Everyone is too busy in the picture doing they thing. People plowing fields. People selling stuff. And nobody notices Mary and Joseph.
I wonder how similar that is today.
I wonder whether people are just to busy to realise or remember what it is they are celebrating this Christmas and miss the arrival of their King.
Matt 2:1-3 "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him."
Are you going to be like the Magi this Christmas and worship the king? Or like the rest of Jerusalem and miss the arrival of the king?
posted by Jim at
3:18 PM
3 Comments:
Good call Jimmy.
I find it interesting that Herod was more interested in his arrival than lots of Xns are today. He was more moved. Scary, given what that lead to.
But, I'm intrigued. What do you make of this: When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. They seem to be interested, rather than disinterested.
By
Justin, at 7:00 AM
Here is my thought, a little guided by a discussion with Al Stewart recently.
There are three reactions.
1) The Magi. Walked for 2 years to with the hope of finding their king. (Good response)
2) King Herod. Certainly acknowledges the fact Jesus has some significance and power, but orders all kids under 2 to be killed. (Bad response)
3) Everyone else. Research on Herod shows him to be a "Puppet King". I.e he controlled how the people acted and re-acted. So "all Jerusalem with him" was kinda a follow-the-leader reaction, rather then thinking about it themselves. (No response)
By
Jim, at 9:12 AM
Definately a good call Jim!
Working in the newsagents it is just so clear how few people are thinking about the true meaning of christmas as they get stressed and overly busy organising and buying etc. It is a big shame.
I think Herod's response is fascinating! As you said, he acknowledges JEsus' significance and power - but so much so that he makes that order - that is massive i reckon! How amazing is it!?! Such a fear of the Lord!!
With everyone else you just followed suit (or who obeyed/followed their king), I see such great parallels between them and those who wander the shopping malls, overwhelemd by the fact that christmas has snuck up and they now have to buy presents - 'everyone else is doing it, i better get into it too' type of mindset really.
hm its said that people shouldnt ask 'why?' too much - but maybe they should ask it more, and ask why everyone is so fussed about this time of year?!
By
Anonymous, at 5:08 PM
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