Matthew 2:3 says that when Herod heard the news from these Magi about a baby born, King of the Jews, he was greatly troubled. Why is the most powerful man in the ancient near East troubled by the birth of some vulnerable, weak, little baby? Too, it should be considered that since Herod had converted to Judaism some time before that, he should be welcoming the news of this Messiah.
The reality is Herod had wealth. One historian proposed that the personal wealth of Herod was one hundred times greater than the gross domestic product of the entire nation of Israel. That he had wealth and power is clear given the remains of so many buildings he had constructed during his rule. Indeed, even just two or so miles from Bethlehem stood the 3rd largest palace in the world at that time. Herod assembled a team to build on the highest plateau in the Judean desert, and from there built a hill that ascended over two hundred feet higher, to where atop stood the Herodium. There were four towers included in this great palace, the tallest of which was 60 feet while the three others stood at roughly 50 feet. The diameter of this great building was roughly 200 feet. It boasts of his great power, rule, wealth, status, and is today a reminder of the greatness of king Herod. One can today venture to this area, just a short distance from Bethlehem and visit what remains at the Herodium.
The stark contrast between these two kings could not be greater. One is in the middle to later portion of his life, one's life as a human has just begun. One has the riches and treasures of this world, while the other has none. One's power is great, while the other is a vulnerable, weak baby who needs to be fed, clothed, and moved. One sleeps in the finest of rooms, in the largest of palaces, while the other makes the first nights of his sleep in a manger (likely a cave). So why is Herod troubled?
Four times in Matthew 2 (from verses 2-10) our attention is drawn to the word "star." Matthew is seemingly wanting us to direct our attention to it. While I would not ultimately conclude it dogmatically, it is at least worth some consideration to note a prophecy made some 1500 years previous. In Numbers 24:17-18 there is a word about someone in the future. There the prophet says, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Edom shall be dispossessed..." It is worthy to note that Herod was an Edomite. Too, in the genealogy preceding this section (Matt. 1:1-17) we find Jesus comes directly from the lineage of Jacob. This troubles Herod, and rightly should. His kingdom cannot compare to the Kingdom of Christ.
Ultimately this baby will not allow for one to worship anything other than Him. Herod believes his contentment will be in all he possesses, all his status and power, all his reputation. But this baby Jesus will not stand for it. The coming of Jesus to save (which is what the name Jesus means) is such that He exposes the many idols in all our lives and calls us to repentance and to a life of worshiping Him, the Only Worthy One. He will not be just "another" in our lives, He wants and will have the first place if we are to have any part of the salvation He provides. Indeed, this is what it is to be saved. In Him we discover freedom from all these transitory things and full satisfaction in HIM. But this is troubling if our view is temporary and not eternal. Take away everything, if I get something better for eternity. But if this is all there is, in this life, then I want no part of sacrifice, and selflessness. So was the battle within Herod.
And marvel just a bit more. The very breath Herod breathes, all the food he eats, the riches he possesses, and his ongoing existence is every bit dependent upon this seemingly helpless baby. It is the Divine Son of God enveloped in this human baby form who gives Herod all he has, even breath and a beating heart. He upholds Herod's existence, even when it seemingly threatens His own existence. And He does it all to show the power of His rule and reign, as the unmatched KING to whom all worship and adoration belong, now and forevermore.
Ultimately this baby will not allow for one to worship anything other than Him. Herod believes his contentment will be in all he possesses, all his status and power, all his reputation. But this baby Jesus will not stand for it. The coming of Jesus to save (which is what the name Jesus means) is such that He exposes the many idols in all our lives and calls us to repentance and to a life of worshiping Him, the Only Worthy One. He will not be just "another" in our lives, He wants and will have the first place if we are to have any part of the salvation He provides. Indeed, this is what it is to be saved. In Him we discover freedom from all these transitory things and full satisfaction in HIM. But this is troubling if our view is temporary and not eternal. Take away everything, if I get something better for eternity. But if this is all there is, in this life, then I want no part of sacrifice, and selflessness. So was the battle within Herod.
And marvel just a bit more. The very breath Herod breathes, all the food he eats, the riches he possesses, and his ongoing existence is every bit dependent upon this seemingly helpless baby. It is the Divine Son of God enveloped in this human baby form who gives Herod all he has, even breath and a beating heart. He upholds Herod's existence, even when it seemingly threatens His own existence. And He does it all to show the power of His rule and reign, as the unmatched KING to whom all worship and adoration belong, now and forevermore.
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