Go back in time 2,000 years, and imagine that you are one of the most respected scholars in the city of Babylon, perhaps even a professor in the university. You are getting your camel ready for a trip; one of your students comes by and says, "Teacher, where are you headed?" You reply, "I'm going to Palestine."

He says, "Why, that is several months journey from here. Why are you going to Palestine?" You say, "Oh, I'm going to search for a king." He says, "Well, who is this king?" You reply, "I don't know. I only know that he has been born and I must find him."

The student says, "Prof, wait a minute. Palestine is a Roman province. The king is chosen by election, not by birth." You say, "Oh, but the king that I am looking for is not a Roman, he is a Jew." The student replies, "A Jew! Why th…