The Not So Wise Wisemen

Today is Ephiphany, and, therefore, it is very appropriate to talk about the not-so-wise wisemen. Why did I say that? Well, in Matthew 2:1-12 recorded the wisemen figured out the meaning of the unique light source from reading the Scripture. They figured everything out, but still think such an extraordinary event will take place in an ordinary place like the Palace. When they got to Israel, they stopped following the light and went right for the Palace.

Why is that a problem? Well, Jerusalem is about 10 km North-North-East of Bethlehem, which means the wisemen completely missed the fact that the light is far behind Jerusalem. They stopped looking at the light and went on autopilot heading to the Palace. They did not bother to ask people along the way if the King had a baby. Can you imagine the conversation when they got to Harod? “Hey King Harod, where is your baby?” That awkwardness would have been nothing short of comedic.

They basically told a King that his replacement is born without his knowledge or “permission”. Not so wise.

I’m sure there have been plenty of people who have said, “I would not have made that mistake!” But I have a hunch that it is unlikely to be the case. One set of words could easily be used to explain it: “Good Intention”. “Good Intention” is often the excuse people use to explain away the bad outcome of a decision or action.

“Good Intention” is very problematic because whatever the “Good Intention” was, it is very likely that, on its own, something that is good. It is something that you cannot fault someone for manifesting. It becomes problematic when the “Good Intention” holds zero attendance to circumstances and results and those who are involved. People might be unintentionally hurt. In this case, thousands of babies died.

“Good Intention” is no excuse for us to do harm to others. We may not cause people to die, but people may still get hurt because of it. Then, we become some not-so-wise people. Think about others first.