Hearts Will Be Revealed
Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
From Jesus’ birth, it was prophesied that He would divide people. Much like His parable about the sheep and the goats, Jesus’ teaching, miracles, His very life was lived in such a way that people either responded very positively to Him, or very negatively. Countless examples of both are recorded in the New Testament and to this day the hearts of many are still being revealed when His story is told.
The division that Simeon prophesied began soon after Jesus’ birth. As a newborn, He had done literally nothing to make people respond to Him, and yet they did. His very existence caused such strong reactions that it moved people to take extreme actions. King Herod is one example.
When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem looking for the newborn king of the Jews, it says in Matthew 2:3 that King Herod “was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” Herod was so disturbed that the end result was the slaughter of many young boys in Bethlehem and its surrounding area. The very idea of his replacement being alive threatened him to the core. His heart of selfishness and self-preservation at all costs cost many people greatly. When his deception of the Magi failed, he lost all sanity and in a fit of ruthless rage ordered the massacre of the boys. His story is a shocking reminder of how truly sinful we can become when we respond negatively to Christ.
In the same story with Herod we have the opposite example, the Magi. These men were also of profound wealth, influence, and position like Herod. But when they learned of the one-born king of the Jews, they left everything behind and faithfully followed the star over a great distance. After their meeting with Herod and seeing the star again, Matthew 2:10 says “they were overjoyed.” To meet the long sought after king of the Jews revealed hearts of profound humility and thankfulness. It was with great delight that they gave gifts and worshipped Him. Their story is an important reminder that no matter our station in life, responding to Jesus out of humility is the key.
Disturbed or delighted? Where is your heart this Christmas season? If Jesus revealed your heart, what would be seen in yours?
Copyright 2025 by David William Yost