Matthew 2:16
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
When the Magi arrived in Jerusalem and caused quite a stir, Herod summoned them to inquire what business brought them to Jerusalem. Importantly, he inquired when they had seen the star in order to ascertain when this child was born. Afterwards, he sent the Magi away, asking them to report back to him when they find the child’s location. The reason he gave was that he, too, wanted to worship Him.
Whereas the magi, or wise men, sought the child in order to worship Him, Herod sought the child in order to kill Him. He considered the entrance of the baby Jesus a threat to his rulership and thus determined to destroy Him. Yet, we are not so different from him because when Jesus threatens our comfort and convenience, we seek ways to do away with Him – whether that means forsaking the fellowship of believers, or disregarding the Bible, or full-blown, outright disbelief. When Jesus checks into the scene, He comes as Lord and King, and we can humbly and joyfully submit to His rulership or in vain try to do away with Him as Herod did. It would be wise if we did the former.
Reflections
1. In what ways does Jesus threaten your comfort and convenience or the control over your life?
2. How will you respond to Jesus this Christmas so that you are not like Herod?
![]()
