The entourage of wise men who came into Jerusalem raised quite a stir as they begin to ask, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” This stirring reached as far as the king, and he also was troubled. The king was so troubled about the possibility of another king rising up that he invited the wise men to speak privately about their quest to find this king. Given the position of the star they followed and knowing the history of Jerusalem, it stood to reason the King of the Jews would be born there. However, after the visit, they continued on straight through the religious center of Jerusalem.
Matthew 2:9-10 (CSB) 9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was — the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy.
Unfortunately, too many people have stopped at the religious centers of men and have never found Jesus Messiah. Perhaps they have mistaken activity and service as the personal relationship and fellowship with God. Still there are others who have passed right through unfazed by the rituals of religion to find the Living Hope. Let me ask you, have you been held up at Jerusalem and bogged down with the heavy burden of religion? How was it the wise men didn’t fall into the religious trap at Jerusalem? They passed through the city because the One they were looking for was not there. Be like the wise men, and by faith, keep going just a little bit further beyond religion to a relationship and fellowship with the King.