Matthew 2:3-12 Herod and Power
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scirbes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you sahll come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeard. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
Herod the liar. He was not wanting to worship Jesus. He wanted to kill him.
Herod had it all. Yet he was still feeling threatened by a newborn baby. Herod was full of insecurity.
Herod was religious, sort of. He went to the religious leaders to find out where the scriptures said the Christ would be born.
Herod knew just enough to cause him to fear. He along with the religious leaders feared the loss of their earthly power and wealth. They believed the scriptures yet did not believe God or know Him.
It is possible to know all about God and what the scriptures say yet not believe in the truth.
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He walked among these leaders and they refused to see Him for who He was. They were blinded by their love for power and their greed. How sad.
How about me? 2 Corinthians 14:5-6 tells us to “Examine ourselves, to see whether we are in the faith…”
Prayer: Father open my eyes to the truth. Do not let sin blind me to who You are and how much You love me. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus and be satisfied with Him alone. Don’t let the love of material things or anything else distract me and blind me to You, the most Glorious One in all creation. Amen