All of Jerusalem with Herod the king was troubled when they heard the report of the Magi, Where is He born King of the Jews because we have seen His star in the east?  All included the scribes and chief priests for Herod consulted them (Matt 2:3,4).   He consulted them to find out where the Messiah would be born.  They  were the ones who had the knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures with all the prophecies that ultimately pointed to Jesus.  Yet nothing is said  of them.  Did they rejoice? Did they want to go with the magi to worship? Did they praise God?  Did they go spread the good news?  Did they try to stop Herod from attempting to kill Him? I believe they did not.  You see when Jesus had begun His ministry, this same group (probably not all the same people, but the scribes and Pharisees) was holding onto the traditions of their elders. (Mark 7:3) The elders would have been those who were living when Jesus was born.  Jesus accused them, “Why do you transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? …These people draw near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” (Matt 15:2,8)  The ones who had the knowledge of the Scripture and were the spiritual leaders of the nation had hearts that were far from God.   Outwardly they appeared righteous but they were empty on the inside. (Matt 23:27)  They had no relationship with the Lord.  

I can study the Bible and go to church, but if it doesn’t affect my heart and actions, then I am no better.  Do I hold tradition(s) above the word of God?  Does His word change the way I act and think?  Like Mary, does my soul magnify the Lord and does my spirit rejoice in God my Savior? (Luke 1:46,47)