Matthew 2:1-9
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
Jesus was born in the time of King Herod, and in the region over which King Herod reigned. At first glance Herod appears to recognize Jesus as King. He calls him "King of the Jews". But very quickly we learn he is not in awe of Him, he is jealous.
Herod started out his political career as a military prefect. He ruled his army with an iron fist. He showed his military prowess by the vigour with which he suppressed opposing forces. He was ruthless. His ability to get things done militarily was noticed by Antony and Octavian who gave Herod the title, "king of the Jews" after which he governed Judaea for 33 years on behalf of the Roman Empire.
It's interesting the wise men called Jesus "King of the Jews" as this was King Herod's title. No one else had called Jesus this as of yet. Even though Jesus was just a baby did Herod see Jesus as a replacement? As a threat? Yes!
Herod's rise to power was continually interrupted by bouts of jealousy and fits of rage. He married Mariamne Hasmonaean, the grand daughter of the former high priest Hyrcanus II. The in-laws didn't appreciate this union. Their dislike of Herod resulted in him murdering the family - including his wife!
In an effort to regain some popularity after this massacre Herod put in motion the rebuilding of the temple of Jerusalem. This was no small task. This could have solidified the loyalty of the Jewish people. However, Herod undid any rebuilding of his reputation by the construction of other temples to pagan deities.
Herod's family life continued to be in a state of friction. His children fought amongst themselves. His two sons by Mariamne, Alexander and Aristobulus, were to be his heirs. Their half brother Antipater, jealous of this fact, turned their father against them resulting in their execution. It didn't really help Antipater out though, as not long afterwards Herod found reason to execute him too!
Herod's suspicious nature is seen in this chapter as he plots to find Jesus - not to worship him, but to eliminate this future king. His ruthless nature is revealed again by his murder of the infants.
Herod's actions are extreme. His actions reveal one who is paranoid. Yet his part in this saga can reveal things about us too.
Herod wanted to rule. He wanted no other king. Although I know no one like Herod - and I am not at all like Herod - I find myself thinking, who rules in me? Am I totally free of the desire to rule my life supremely? I don't think so. Do I cling to things, try to fix things on my own, try to run my life on my own, try to rule in my domain, when I should be relinquishing that reign to Him? Is there any part of me I say to God, 'This is my domain'?
Herod was confused about Jesus. He thought Jesus was a rival. But Jesus didn't come to take over his country or region - he came to free him from his sins and to reign in his heart. Jesus could have brought Herod true peace; something he sorely lacked, if he only recognized Jesus for who he truly was and is.
Today may we see the real Jesus. Not a warped version skewed by our fears and misconceptions, but the Son of God, come to earth not to dominate with an iron fist but to draw us to Him in love.
5 comments:
How might the birth of Christ played out if Herod was a good, God honouring man? Was he predestined to behave in the manner he did for the story to be what it is?
I appreciated your challenge regarding areas in which we don't allow Christ to fully reign in our lives. Something to think about...
That's an interesting thought Dawne... hmmm. My imagination could go in so many different directions with that one.... What if Herod had promoted Jesus, treated him like royalty, put him on a pedestal? That could have resulted in a whole other set of temptations.
What's kind of interesting is, after going to Egypt, then recieving the news Herod was dead and it was okay to return, it was Herod's son who they needed to avoid next! So even if Herod had been upright ... would his son (more than likely I suppose) have been? Because both weren't the prophecy was fulfilled. I find that all incredible: how all the various pieces of the puzzle fit together.
Wow -- thanks for the historical background, Alison. It certainly helps to paint a clearer picture of what an awful ruler Herod was! And your observations about how we, though not the tyrants Herod was, share some of his sins, are thought-provoking. It just goes to show you that we can't pridefully scorn the wickedness of such people; our hearts are just as black sometimes (though we may not commit the same kinds of vile acts). Who was it that said, "There, but for the grace of God, could go I . . ."?
Incredible eh? Though I thought it was pretty cool to learn Herod had rebuilt the temple! That was such a huge issue for the Jews and he did it. I thought that was kind of out of character ... but I guess he was a really good ruler as well as evil!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Need to read a little more carefully!
Hey there ...
As I was re-reading Matthew 2 this morning I found a glaring error in my post yesterday!!! If you found it and didn't say anything ... thank you - though, I wouldn't have minded actually :)
So ... here it is ... King Herod DID NOT call Jesus "King of the Jews". That would have been interesting indeed!! It was the Wise Men - the Magi - who asked Herod where they could find the "King of the Jews". They recognized Him for who He really was!
Still, Herod would have been incredibly jealous because of this title used for someone other than him, so I don't think the point was really wrong.
More about the Wisemen in a little while ...
Alison :)
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