“When Herod realized he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem … two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.”
Matthew 2:16
I remember years ago when our then three.year-old daughter first learned of the evil King Herod. She saw him in an outdoor dramatic presentation of the whole Christmas story. And she screamed. Her reaction was more fitting than she realized!
Herod went beyond ignoring Jesus; he actively opposed Him, ordering the killing of all baby boys aged two and under in Bethlehem. He figured if that’s what it would take to secure his throne, he’d happily give the order. After all, he’d previously had his wife, several sons, and a number of relatives killed because he thought they were conspiring against him. Screaming and wailing were not unfamiliar responses to Herod’s actions.
The mission Satan and his demons have had since the beginning of time—to thwart God’s rescue plan—came to the surface at Christmas time. In Genesis we are told that there would be a long and bloody struggle between the offspring of Satan and of Eve (see 3:15). But Herod wouldn’t win. Neither will anyone else. Our trust is not in worldly powers because Jesus is the forever King!
Herod went beyond ignoring Jesus; he actively opposed Him, ordering the killing of all baby boys aged two and under in Bethlehem. He figured if that’s what it would take to secure his throne, he’d happily give the order. After all, he’d previously had his wife, several sons, and a number of relatives killed because he thought they were conspiring against him. Screaming and wailing were not unfamiliar responses to Herod’s actions.
The mission Satan and his demons have had since the beginning of time—to thwart God’s rescue plan—came to the surface at Christmas time. In Genesis we are told that there would be a long and bloody struggle between the offspring of Satan and of Eve (see 3:15). But Herod wouldn’t win. Neither will anyone else. Our trust is not in worldly powers because Jesus is the forever King!
Scripture Focus
Matthew 2:13-20
Insight
Herod died (see Matthew 2:19), and his kingdom crumbled. But the baby he tried to kill? He lives forever; His kingdom shall never end.
Bible In A Year
- Amos 1-3
- Proverbs 17
- 1 John 1-2