Advent - December 23

Listen: O Holy Night!

Why do you think Harod wanted to know about the baby the wise men were looking for?

Would Harod have worshiped him once he did find him? Why not?

Adults:

Herod, historians tell us, was a paranoid tyrant who lived his life driven by the fear that somebody would one day steal his throne. He maintained his position as king in Judea for more than thirty years by murdering any potential usurpers.

Throughout Herod’s reign, his paranoia kept the city of Jerusalem in a state of constant upheaval. The people dreaded the news of the new Messiah because they knew bloodshed would follow such an announcement. Herod had already killed his wife after he listened to rumors that she was conspiring against him. He had killed his brother-in-law, his wife’s grandfather, and his mother-in-law for the same reasons. His own two sons were killed causing the Emporer Octavian to say, “I would rather be Herod’s pig than his son.”

Magi (Wise Men) were an elite, powerful, wealthy group of high-ranking priests who devoted their lives to interpreting dreams and studying the constellations. During this time, the Magi were considered scientists because of their knowledge of the skies. They were also respected politicians and religious leaders. They held so much power that if they chose, they would have the power to depose and install a new king. In the East, they were known as king-makers/ breakers.

So, the Magi coming to seek a king was a huge deal. They would have traveled a long way, and since they were seeking a king, they would have brought a caravan of treasure, servants, and bodyguards. Imagine the splendor and fear of such an entourage.

When they arrived, they asked, “Where is he, the King of the Jews?” The word King is capitalized, meaning they sought to worship the greatest Jewish King to be born. Considering the renown of the Magi and their declaration of a King, Herod was terrified. Thus, he treated them with cautious honor, thinking they were Magi from the East who once endorsed his overthrow. When He heard of this new King, Herod would have viewed Jesus as the rival to his throne. Herod wanted to find out how to find this king and kill him.