It Starts Small

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Scripture Reading:

• Matthew 2:2-3
• Matthew 2:16-18

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 ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” ³ When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:2-3

For a brief but exhilarating chapter of my life, I dove headfirst into the electrifying world of football drafting for a fantasy football team. Despite my initial ignorance of the sport—only grasping the fundamentals of how the game is played—I found myself captivated. Player stats were a mystery to me, and I couldn’t identify the stars from the shadows. Yet, the very concept of sports drafts fascinated me! These events aren’t just bureaucratic formalities; they represent the thrilling moment when college athletes transition to the pros. How each team decides who to select is a tantalizing puzzle, leaving me in awe. Just imagine the tension for players already on the roster. They know that a fresh talent is about to be drafted. A potential contender could very well take their place!

What is my point? It must be an utterly overwhelming experience. It is brimming with discomfort and anxiety. There is the heavy burden of impending change. This occurs when your potential replacement steps into the spotlight. Some gracefully surrender their power, nobly passing the torch, while others fight tooth and nail, howling in defiance. This tumultuous battle reverberates throughout history, powerfully illustrated in the tale of King Herod the Great. The gospel reveals that when the wise men arrived, proclaiming the arrival of the “newborn King of the Jews,” Herod was not just troubled. He was unmoored and shaken to his very essence.

Imagine yourself in his shoes. You are strolling along. You are enveloped in a world where every desire is fulfilled. Freedom reigns and ambition knows no bounds. You are the sovereign of Israel. You bask in the glory of your reign. Suddenly, a pair of men on camels appears on the horizon. They seek the King—but not you. Your successor has arrived. In that moment, a whirlwind of emotion rushes through you. It ignites a fierce passion for what is “rightfully yours.”

I can’t help but wonder about your perspective, but let’s face it—honesty is crucial. In my own moment of selfishness, a deep worry about my current standing begins to churn within me. There’s a powerful quote that echoes in my mind from Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, where Chancellor Palpatine reveals a stark truth to young Anakin Skywalker: “All who gain power are afraid of losing it.”

For the most part, humanity has undeniably demonstrated this truth. Herod was no exception. The Greek term for “troubled” in this context is etarachthe. This word evokes a profound sense of disturbance, anxiety, and terror. It stirs up a whirlwind of inner turmoil and emotional agitation. One grapples with overwhelming feelings that churn intensely from within.

In short, he was consumed by the dread of losing his power. The thought of losing his opulent palace tormented him. He feared losing all the comforts that came with his rule. The thought of relinquishing “his” kingdom ignited a fierce anxiety within him. He had seized this throne through force with the ruthless aid of the Romans. It is no surprise that he feared its potential loss. His worst fears were confirmed; whispers of a newborn savior sent chills down his spine. No sane person would undertake a perilous journey unless driven by undeniable truth. Herod knew the people’s belief in this child as the promised Messiah would ignite their fervor. People would rally to rise against him. They would strip him of his crown. Yes, he was not merely troubled—he was gripped by sheer terror.

But Matthew then records something else that was interesting. Did you catch it?

³ When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:3

(Bold for emphasis)

The people were just as deeply disturbed. Why?

They were afraid of the tyranny and horrors that Harod could inflict on the people to find this “newborn” and make sure He would never see the crown on his head. And they were right and justified in their fear. Just keep reading Matthew 2.

¹⁶ Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men. ¹⁷ Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:

¹⁸ A voice was heard in Ramah,

weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children;
and she refused to be consoled,
because they are no more.

Matthew 2:16-18

Harod did was is unthinkable. He did what s known as the massacre of the innocents.

What lesson can we learn here?

Fear can drive us to sin, compelling us to obstruct God’s divine plan. This trepidation often results in suffering and pain, not just for ourselves, but for those we care about. Just as it ensnared Jonah and impacted Abraham and Sarah, we too can fall into this trap! Do not let this fate befall you! Cast aside those temporal, worldly distractions—they serve only to bring you trouble and heartache. Embrace faith and step boldly into the light of God’s purpose!

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