Matthew 2 English Standard Version
The Visit of the Wise Men
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Once we begin to invoke the bible as being our source of information, both prophecies and actions and reactions can be measured as evidence. We should consider the reactions of leaders of that time, their fears and actions are evidence. What did Herod do?
Herod Kills the Children
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
Herod acted in a manner to hold onto his power and authority.
Matthew 26:14-15 English Standard Version
Judas to Betray Jesus
14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.
Actions indicate intent. Judas knew what the chief priest wanted. They paid him off. They wanted to maintain power and authority.
If they went so far to maintain power and authority, what does that say about their belief about Daniel’s prophecy concerning the Son of Man?
Belief did not overrule desire. It takes more than belief to overrule desire, it takes faith.