Today’s reading is Matthew 2:3 (which comes after the Magi arrive in Jerusalem and ask where the new king of the Jews is):
"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him."
( To read the complete passage look here Matthew 2:1-12)
King Herod. He considered himself the King of the Jews. He was half-Jewish and his father had curried favor with the occupying Romans by doing favors for a powerful official. He was therefore appointed to the throne of Israel and ruled as a puppet king. He was known for his harsh and tyrannical ways.
It is easy to see why Herod was troubled by news of a new king, even one still in his cradle. He would have known that the rightful king should be a descendant of David. Herod would also have known that a Messiah was prophesied to come. It is likely that Herod was aware of the common opinion that the Messiah would be a political and military leader who would overthrow Rome. Herod would have a lot to lose if that turned out to be true.
But why were the people of Jerusalem worried as well? Would not news of the Messiah’s coming been a reason for celebration? Wouldn’t the idea of Rome and the tyrannical Herod being overthrown give rise to hope and even joyful anticipation?
Perhaps, they were afraid that Herod would become more hard-fisted and dangerous because of the news. Maybe they just didn’t understand and were confused. Or it could be that they didn’t understand who this new king would be and were afraid that he would be worse than Herod. “Better the devil you know,” as the saying goes. Ultimately this is one of those things that we just don’t know. But it is more central to the story than it appears at first blush. How they received the Christ – or didn’t – affected the course of history. Think about it.
What is your reaction to the idea that the King is coming?
Merry Christmas!!
"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him."
( To read the complete passage look here Matthew 2:1-12)
King Herod. He considered himself the King of the Jews. He was half-Jewish and his father had curried favor with the occupying Romans by doing favors for a powerful official. He was therefore appointed to the throne of Israel and ruled as a puppet king. He was known for his harsh and tyrannical ways.
It is easy to see why Herod was troubled by news of a new king, even one still in his cradle. He would have known that the rightful king should be a descendant of David. Herod would also have known that a Messiah was prophesied to come. It is likely that Herod was aware of the common opinion that the Messiah would be a political and military leader who would overthrow Rome. Herod would have a lot to lose if that turned out to be true.
But why were the people of Jerusalem worried as well? Would not news of the Messiah’s coming been a reason for celebration? Wouldn’t the idea of Rome and the tyrannical Herod being overthrown give rise to hope and even joyful anticipation?
Perhaps, they were afraid that Herod would become more hard-fisted and dangerous because of the news. Maybe they just didn’t understand and were confused. Or it could be that they didn’t understand who this new king would be and were afraid that he would be worse than Herod. “Better the devil you know,” as the saying goes. Ultimately this is one of those things that we just don’t know. But it is more central to the story than it appears at first blush. How they received the Christ – or didn’t – affected the course of history. Think about it.
What is your reaction to the idea that the King is coming?
Merry Christmas!!
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