#soap # Matthew 02 ## Title: To See But Not to Perceive ## Scripture: (Matthew 2:4-5) After assembling all the chief priests and experts in the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they said, “for it is written this way by the prophet: (NET) ## Observation: It blows my mind to think that when asked, the scribes knew exactly where Jesus was born. They had been waiting on this day for a long time. Think about it. Out of nowhere, these people come and say they have traveled across the known world to see the new king. When asked, the scribes told them the exact town to go to. However, the Bible does not speak of any scribes who saddled up a camel and followed. Were they not even a little curious? It might have been because they did not think the Messiah could be born without their knowledge. They could see the Scriptures, but could not perceive them being fulfilled in any other way than their expectations. We should also approach God’s Word with humility and realize that we do not know how God will fulfill His prophecies. We trust Him to do what only He can do. That’s enough. ## Application: When reading God’s Word, apply clear interpretation guidelines. One guideline when approaching prophecy is humility. We do not know it all. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for always being greater than us.