“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” -Matthew 2:1-3 (NIV)
Whenever there is a big event that happens in our world, there is always a lot of different reactions to that event. For instance during an election, there are a myriad of reactions, aren’t there? Some people are overjoyed with the results, some are more contemplative, some are disturbed or even angry.
And throughout history there has also been a myriad of reactions to the birth of Jesus., even at that very time of His birth!
Matthew recorded that when the Magi came and announced the birth of the Messiah… King Herod was “disturbed”.
We don’t know why he was disturbed, but we can speculate based on what we know of King Herod. History tells us that he loved power. And during his last years, we know he grew increasingly paranoid, and in jealousy and rage killed close associates, his wife, and even two of his sons.
So when the Magi came and asked him “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews”, there is no doubt King Herod would have seen that as a threat to his power. And he was “disturbed” as a result. He didn’t want Jesus upsetting his status quo.
So what about the General Population? Interestingly, Matthew states that not only was King Herod disturbed at the news, but that “all Jerusalem” was also disturbed with him.
We know the Jewish community at that time was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah as promised by God throughout the ages. So why were they disturbed too? One theory is that they were afraid this news would cause more cruelty from King Herod. This fear ultimately proved to be valid, as later he ordered the killing of all the young boys under two in Bethlehem and the surrounding area.
So all of Jerusalem was disturbed, because they too did not want to upset the status quo!
How about you? Do you ever get disturbed that Jesus wants to upset the status quo in your life? The coming of Christ is about upsetting the status quo… not just in the world, but also in your life!
And the good news is this: the change Jesus brings, is always in the best interest of your life! Do you fight it, as King Herod did? Or do you accept it, and welcome the change Jesus brings?
To continue this conversation, if you don’t already have a church family, please visit us this Sunday morning @ 10 am. We all need a church, and we would love to meet you! Our church building is located at 204 Church Street in West Chicago, near the high school.