Matthew 2
Today's Passage: Matthew 2
In chapter two, the birth story of Jesus continues with the addition of King Herod. This story shows us how putting our hope in the wrong thing can lead to destruction.
King Herod ruled Palestine on behalf of Rome. The Jewish people saw him as an illegitimate king, but Herod was successful for most of his rule. He established peace and made the temple a beautiful place. The last 9 years of his rule were not so successful. There was political unrest and executions which led him to be prorated as a tyrant.
This all sheds light on our story in chapter two. The Magi tells Herod of the king of the Jews, and he sees this as a threat to his throne. He was not concerned with respect or worship of the messianic king, he was focused on his kingdom and control. This hyper-focus led to fear and paranoia, which led to the killing of babies and eventually the destruction of his kingdom.
Sin can often lead to the same sort of fear and paranoia in our own lives. Sin would have us focus on ourselves rather than God and his word. We start to live a life based on our own wisdom and understanding. Or we will make decisions that further our kingdom. Sooner or later that sin leads us to fear, paranoia, and eventually destruction. But this is exactly why Jesus came, to fix us of this problem.
What’s funny about chapter two is that Herod’s foolishness is compared to the Word of God. Five different Old Testament fulfillments take place in this chapter (Mic 5:2, Hos 11:1, Jer 31:15, Isaiah 11:1, Judg 13:5). In five different places, God is showcasing his perfect wisdom and perfect plan that would lead to salvation for ALL who would place their trust in him. What are you placing your faith and hope in today? Is it money, comfort, or family or is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the rock of your salvation, Jesus Christ?
Written By: Joe Weaver
In chapter two, the birth story of Jesus continues with the addition of King Herod. This story shows us how putting our hope in the wrong thing can lead to destruction.
King Herod ruled Palestine on behalf of Rome. The Jewish people saw him as an illegitimate king, but Herod was successful for most of his rule. He established peace and made the temple a beautiful place. The last 9 years of his rule were not so successful. There was political unrest and executions which led him to be prorated as a tyrant.
This all sheds light on our story in chapter two. The Magi tells Herod of the king of the Jews, and he sees this as a threat to his throne. He was not concerned with respect or worship of the messianic king, he was focused on his kingdom and control. This hyper-focus led to fear and paranoia, which led to the killing of babies and eventually the destruction of his kingdom.
Sin can often lead to the same sort of fear and paranoia in our own lives. Sin would have us focus on ourselves rather than God and his word. We start to live a life based on our own wisdom and understanding. Or we will make decisions that further our kingdom. Sooner or later that sin leads us to fear, paranoia, and eventually destruction. But this is exactly why Jesus came, to fix us of this problem.
What’s funny about chapter two is that Herod’s foolishness is compared to the Word of God. Five different Old Testament fulfillments take place in this chapter (Mic 5:2, Hos 11:1, Jer 31:15, Isaiah 11:1, Judg 13:5). In five different places, God is showcasing his perfect wisdom and perfect plan that would lead to salvation for ALL who would place their trust in him. What are you placing your faith and hope in today? Is it money, comfort, or family or is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the rock of your salvation, Jesus Christ?
Written By: Joe Weaver
No Comments