The People of the Advent: Herod

 

Matthew 2:2-3(ESV)

² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;

 

Herod was the Roman appointed king of Judea.  He was comfortable with his power and jealous about it.  He sure was not ready for any competition to that power.  I think he got scared when the wise men came and asked where is the baby who is born to be king of the Jews.  He knew it was not his child.  Oh, no! What was going to happen?  Would it be a coup?  He did know that Christ was to be born at some time to be “King of the Jews”, but he was certainly not anticipating this in his life time.  He, like so many others, imagined a king who would be an earthly king and get them out from Roman rule.  Herod was part of the Roman set up, so he was not interested in getting rid of Rome.  He smelled trouble.  He had his plan for life and it did not include Jesus.

 

I think we cannot be too hard on Herod.  He is not much different than most of us.  We want God to only intervene in our lives when it enhances our pre-made plan.  The plan is more sacred to us than Jesus and God’s plan.  I challenge you to reflect on the question: Am I ready for Jesus?  Be honest!  Then get ready!