1 00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:04,440 Speaker 1: Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can't 2 00:00:04,480 --> 00:00:11,480 Speaker 1: inherit God's kingdom, neither does the perishable inherit imperishable First Corinthians, 3 00:00:11,480 --> 00:00:17,760 Speaker 1: fifteen fifty. Dear Lord, your kingdom is eternal, everlasting, and imperishable. 4 00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:21,759 Speaker 1: We recognize that we are unable to obtain heaven on 5 00:00:21,880 --> 00:00:26,160 Speaker 1: our own. It is only through faith in you, Lord Jesus, 6 00:00:26,880 --> 00:00:31,040 Speaker 1: that we can access eternal life. In light of these things, 7 00:00:31,760 --> 00:00:35,640 Speaker 1: we pray that you would set our mind on your kingdom. 8 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:40,159 Speaker 1: Since we have inherited eternal life in you, may we 9 00:00:40,200 --> 00:00:45,360 Speaker 1: set our minds solely on eternal things. May the Kingdom, 10 00:00:45,600 --> 00:00:50,440 Speaker 1: glory and righteous word be ever present in our thoughts. 11 00:00:51,400 --> 00:00:54,760 Speaker 1: May your throne rest on the forefront of our minds, 12 00:00:55,440 --> 00:01:00,120 Speaker 1: guiding us in all we do. When we stumble and 13 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:03,800 Speaker 1: dwell on the cornal things of this world, Would you 14 00:01:03,840 --> 00:01:09,080 Speaker 1: redirect our thoughts and illuminate our paths. We trust you 15 00:01:09,120 --> 00:01:15,520 Speaker 1: to do all these things and more in Jesus' name. Amen. 16 00:01:24,959 --> 00:01:27,880 Speaker 2: The shepherds stood and bowed their heads to Marry and Joseph. 17 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:32,119 Speaker 2: They exited the stable, stealing one final glance at the child. 18 00:01:32,160 --> 00:01:35,720 Speaker 2: Before they left, the sun began to rise over the hills, 19 00:01:36,000 --> 00:01:39,560 Speaker 2: painting the sky with hues of gold and pink. Their 20 00:01:39,600 --> 00:01:43,000 Speaker 2: hearts were filled with an overflowing well of joy. Their 21 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:46,959 Speaker 2: contemplative walk slowly turned into a dance of praise and worship. 22 00:01:47,520 --> 00:01:50,760 Speaker 2: Soon enough, the shepherds were shouting through the streets, their 23 00:01:50,840 --> 00:01:53,880 Speaker 2: voices raised in worship and faces glowing with a light 24 00:01:53,920 --> 00:01:57,960 Speaker 2: that drew curious onlookers. Some shook their heads, thinking the 25 00:01:57,960 --> 00:02:02,400 Speaker 2: shepherds were crazy, drunk, or both. But the shepherds, undeterred 26 00:02:02,400 --> 00:02:05,840 Speaker 2: by scorn, proclaimed that the Messiah had been born and 27 00:02:05,920 --> 00:02:09,320 Speaker 2: they had been privileged to see him. Word began to 28 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:12,520 Speaker 2: spread like ripples in a pond, the whispers growing in 29 00:02:12,560 --> 00:02:17,880 Speaker 2: strength and conviction. The shepherd's testimony, although unlikely, rekindled hope 30 00:02:17,919 --> 00:02:20,639 Speaker 2: and a few who heard it. If the Messiah had 31 00:02:20,639 --> 00:02:24,840 Speaker 2: truly been born, then hope for Israel was alive. The 32 00:02:24,919 --> 00:02:28,040 Speaker 2: testimony reached the ears of some of the servants of Herod, 33 00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:32,680 Speaker 2: the land's ruler. Their faces paled, their hearts pounding with 34 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:36,480 Speaker 2: fear and hope. They did not tell Herod, choosing instead 35 00:02:36,480 --> 00:02:40,000 Speaker 2: to hold silent, their minds filled with dreams of redemption 36 00:02:40,160 --> 00:02:43,520 Speaker 2: from the oppression of Rome. Once weighed down by sorrow 37 00:02:43,560 --> 00:02:47,120 Speaker 2: and suffering. The land seemed to awaken to a new possibility. 38 00:02:47,680 --> 00:02:51,200 Speaker 2: The whispers grew into a chorus of voices, a community 39 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:55,720 Speaker 2: united by faith and longing. In that humble stable, a 40 00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:59,240 Speaker 2: child had been born, a King who would change the world. 41 00:03:00,320 --> 00:03:02,480 Speaker 3: I'm so glad you've joined us on the Bible in 42 00:03:02,520 --> 00:03:06,840 Speaker 3: a Year podcast today. But before we get to today's episode, 43 00:03:06,960 --> 00:03:09,440 Speaker 3: I want you to know that I would absolutely love 44 00:03:09,520 --> 00:03:12,680 Speaker 3: to send you my daily devotional that will give you 45 00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:17,520 Speaker 3: fresh encouragement every single morning and day from the moment 46 00:03:17,600 --> 00:03:20,240 Speaker 3: we wake up to the moment our head finally hits 47 00:03:20,240 --> 00:03:24,440 Speaker 3: the pillow. There are thousands of things demanding our attention, 48 00:03:25,120 --> 00:03:27,320 Speaker 3: but it's in the midst of all this crush and 49 00:03:27,440 --> 00:03:30,200 Speaker 3: hustle and bustle that you and I need peace and 50 00:03:30,320 --> 00:03:33,200 Speaker 3: truth in God's Word. That's why I want to help 51 00:03:33,240 --> 00:03:37,160 Speaker 3: you spend time each day growing in God's life giving, 52 00:03:37,320 --> 00:03:42,200 Speaker 3: life changing word by sending you my free daily email devotional, 53 00:03:42,560 --> 00:03:47,000 Speaker 3: PowerPoint Today. So visit Jagraham dot org to sign up 54 00:03:47,000 --> 00:03:52,840 Speaker 3: for your PowerPoint Today devotional. That's Jackraham dot org. Jack 55 00:03:52,920 --> 00:04:00,280 Speaker 3: Graham dot org. Today we meet a new character, Herod. King. 56 00:04:00,360 --> 00:04:04,400 Speaker 3: Herod maintained a continuous vigilance to ward off any dangers 57 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:08,560 Speaker 3: to his throne, with his fears often extending to those 58 00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:12,880 Speaker 3: within his own family. He was responsible for the deaths 59 00:04:12,880 --> 00:04:17,479 Speaker 3: of numerous relatives fearing their betrayal. Though Herod sought to 60 00:04:17,520 --> 00:04:20,680 Speaker 3: gain the favor of the Jewish population over whom he ruled, 61 00:04:21,080 --> 00:04:25,240 Speaker 3: he himself was not a Jew, but an Edomite. Rome 62 00:04:25,279 --> 00:04:29,479 Speaker 3: acknowledged him as a subservient king in charge of Judea. 63 00:04:30,040 --> 00:04:34,760 Speaker 3: Despite their intense dislike for him, The Jews also respected Herod, 64 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:39,720 Speaker 3: primarily due to his architectural achievements, including the significant enhancements 65 00:04:39,720 --> 00:04:44,360 Speaker 3: he made to the Second Temple. Herod's reign was marked 66 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:49,520 Speaker 3: by brutal and aggressive actions. Immediately upon ascending to the throne, 67 00:04:49,640 --> 00:04:54,200 Speaker 3: he eradicated the Sanhedron. He executed three hundred court officials. 68 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:58,440 Speaker 3: He also killed his wife, Mary Anne and her mother Alexandra. 69 00:04:59,279 --> 00:05:01,840 Speaker 3: He killed his elder the son and Tipatter, and two 70 00:05:01,920 --> 00:05:07,200 Speaker 3: other sons, Alexander and Aristobulus. His rule was a chilling 71 00:05:07,279 --> 00:05:11,159 Speaker 3: era of violence and fear, reflecting the dark aspects of 72 00:05:11,240 --> 00:05:16,200 Speaker 3: his own character. The Magi are about to enter Herod's palace. 73 00:05:17,080 --> 00:05:19,400 Speaker 3: If you've read the Gospel of Matthew, you'll know that 74 00:05:19,480 --> 00:05:22,520 Speaker 3: the news of Jesus' birth will cause Herod to commit 75 00:05:22,680 --> 00:05:28,599 Speaker 3: unimaginable cruelties. Let's dive into the story. Afterward, we'll unpack 76 00:05:28,640 --> 00:05:31,000 Speaker 3: the themes of what it truly means to be a 77 00:05:31,120 --> 00:05:34,400 Speaker 3: king and how Herod is contrasted with the true king 78 00:05:34,440 --> 00:05:36,120 Speaker 3: of the Jews, Jesus. 79 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:41,599 Speaker 2: The caravan moved through the desert like a river, cutting 80 00:05:41,640 --> 00:05:46,480 Speaker 2: through canyons. Casper, Melchior, and Balshazzar were at the head 81 00:05:46,520 --> 00:05:50,560 Speaker 2: of the caravan. Guided by the star, they moved from 82 00:05:50,760 --> 00:05:54,760 Speaker 2: endless sand dunes to rugged mountains and dense forests. The 83 00:05:54,800 --> 00:05:58,320 Speaker 2: path was arduous, and the journey taxed even the most 84 00:05:58,440 --> 00:06:02,320 Speaker 2: robust of their company. As they journeyed west, they began 85 00:06:02,400 --> 00:06:05,640 Speaker 2: to witness the heavy hand of the Roman Empire, one 86 00:06:05,720 --> 00:06:09,880 Speaker 2: steaming with vibrant and simple life. Remote villages lay in ruin, 87 00:06:10,240 --> 00:06:14,840 Speaker 2: their inhabitants either subjugated or fleeing from Roman wrath. Caesar 88 00:06:14,960 --> 00:06:17,960 Speaker 2: had no need for poor villages that couldn't contribute to 89 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:21,960 Speaker 2: the empire. As the magi walked through the broken down villages, 90 00:06:22,320 --> 00:06:25,919 Speaker 2: they realized just how heavy the iron grip of Rome was. 91 00:06:26,760 --> 00:06:30,920 Speaker 2: Caspar was a man of riches and nobility, some even 92 00:06:30,960 --> 00:06:34,520 Speaker 2: referred to him as Solomon reborn. But as he looked 93 00:06:34,600 --> 00:06:37,119 Speaker 2: upon a begging family on the side of the road, 94 00:06:37,480 --> 00:06:42,400 Speaker 2: his heart broke stop, Caspar said with a raspy voice. 95 00:06:42,760 --> 00:06:46,240 Speaker 2: His camel knelt down and he dismounted. He approached the 96 00:06:46,279 --> 00:06:49,479 Speaker 2: family with a quivering lip. He will not replace what 97 00:06:49,560 --> 00:06:52,719 Speaker 2: you have lost. By all it bless us you. He 98 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:55,839 Speaker 2: handed them a leather bag of expensive spices to sell, 99 00:06:56,480 --> 00:06:59,080 Speaker 2: and a cloth wrapped around a large piece of silver. 100 00:06:59,600 --> 00:07:02,200 Speaker 2: The farther received it and hailed it for a while 101 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:05,640 Speaker 2: in his hand. Hope, he said, with a jaded and 102 00:07:05,680 --> 00:07:10,440 Speaker 2: weathered tone. Hope is a distant memory. Behind Caspar's long 103 00:07:10,520 --> 00:07:14,200 Speaker 2: white beard, there was a compassionate smile. He walked back 104 00:07:14,240 --> 00:07:18,120 Speaker 2: to his camel and mounted it. Before proceeding, he glanced 105 00:07:18,160 --> 00:07:22,000 Speaker 2: back at him and said, perhaps hope is closer than 106 00:07:22,040 --> 00:07:25,920 Speaker 2: you think. With those words, the caravan continued through the 107 00:07:25,920 --> 00:07:30,800 Speaker 2: winding Judaean countryside. Nature was alive with new life. The 108 00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:34,920 Speaker 2: wind carried the scent of freshly budding wildflowers, and fawns 109 00:07:34,960 --> 00:07:38,960 Speaker 2: pranced through the grassy valleys. As they neared Judea, the 110 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:43,000 Speaker 2: anticipation grew. They felt a pole a magnetic force that 111 00:07:43,080 --> 00:07:46,560 Speaker 2: guided there every step. The star had led them to Judea, 112 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:49,920 Speaker 2: but the exact location of the Messiah was still unknown 113 00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:54,320 Speaker 2: to them. Tell me, Melchior, Caspar said, where would a 114 00:07:54,400 --> 00:07:58,680 Speaker 2: Judaean king be born? Melchia pointed to a city glimmering 115 00:07:58,720 --> 00:08:02,760 Speaker 2: in the distance, Jerusalem. He said, the city of David 116 00:08:02,800 --> 00:08:05,480 Speaker 2: and home to the temple. No doubt the city will 117 00:08:05,480 --> 00:08:09,360 Speaker 2: be alive. With celebration, the caravan entered the city with pomp. 118 00:08:09,760 --> 00:08:13,400 Speaker 2: They were hardly inconspicuous, with their camels adorned with purple 119 00:08:13,600 --> 00:08:17,080 Speaker 2: and chests of gold following them on carts. The rest 120 00:08:17,080 --> 00:08:20,160 Speaker 2: of their caravan waited outside the city gates to replenish 121 00:08:20,280 --> 00:08:23,840 Speaker 2: camels and restock on supplies, but the three wise men 122 00:08:23,880 --> 00:08:27,520 Speaker 2: pressed forward, seeking out the palace of Herod, the tetrarch 123 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:31,480 Speaker 2: of Judaea. His palace loomed over the bustling market place, 124 00:08:31,800 --> 00:08:37,199 Speaker 2: imposing and cold, symbolizing power and dominance. Herod was indeed 125 00:08:37,240 --> 00:08:41,000 Speaker 2: a master of deceit, cunning as a desert fox. His 126 00:08:41,200 --> 00:08:45,120 Speaker 2: mind was a labyrinth of political intrigue and deception, honed 127 00:08:45,160 --> 00:08:48,000 Speaker 2: sharp enough to cut through the Gaudian knot of political 128 00:08:48,040 --> 00:08:52,720 Speaker 2: power that entrapped many rulers. He had an insatiable thirst 129 00:08:52,800 --> 00:08:56,360 Speaker 2: for dominance, a desire that drove him to impose crippling 130 00:08:56,400 --> 00:09:00,760 Speaker 2: taxes upon the very people he ruled. Even Caesara Augustus, 131 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:03,840 Speaker 2: the Master of Rome, quipped that it was safer to 132 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:07,840 Speaker 2: be Herod's swined in his offspring, for Herod was notorious 133 00:09:07,880 --> 00:09:10,720 Speaker 2: for slaying any of his children that proved to threaten 134 00:09:10,800 --> 00:09:15,040 Speaker 2: his power. Word of the Magi's arrival, however, presented an 135 00:09:15,040 --> 00:09:18,480 Speaker 2: opportunity for Herod. To him, it was a chance to 136 00:09:18,520 --> 00:09:22,640 Speaker 2: acquire more favor from rich men. He ordered his servants 137 00:09:22,640 --> 00:09:25,720 Speaker 2: to prepare a feast worthy of emperors. He laid a 138 00:09:25,720 --> 00:09:29,680 Speaker 2: bounty of food at the table and surrounded them with music, wine, 139 00:09:29,880 --> 00:09:34,200 Speaker 2: and dancers. To the Magi, men of refinement and culture, 140 00:09:34,600 --> 00:09:39,920 Speaker 2: such a reception was not uncommon. However, something was disquieting 141 00:09:39,960 --> 00:09:44,199 Speaker 2: about the feast. Balshazzar, in particular, had his guard up. 142 00:09:44,880 --> 00:09:48,760 Speaker 2: Herod entered the great halls and stretched out his arm. 143 00:09:49,160 --> 00:09:54,040 Speaker 2: My lords, to what do I owe this pleasure? Herod asked, 144 00:09:54,200 --> 00:09:58,559 Speaker 2: his voice dripping with feigned graciousness. We seek the nuporn 145 00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:02,200 Speaker 2: King of the Jews. They replied with a bow. The 146 00:10:02,240 --> 00:10:05,800 Speaker 2: messiah star has guided us here, and we intend to 147 00:10:05,880 --> 00:10:10,040 Speaker 2: honor him with our tributes and adoration. A shiver ran 148 00:10:10,160 --> 00:10:14,440 Speaker 2: down Herod's spine at their words. Rumors had reached his ears, 149 00:10:14,679 --> 00:10:17,880 Speaker 2: whispers of a child born to be king. But Herod 150 00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:21,360 Speaker 2: was king, and no infant would unravel what he had 151 00:10:21,400 --> 00:10:25,520 Speaker 2: spent decades making. Concealing his inner disgust, he took a 152 00:10:25,559 --> 00:10:29,840 Speaker 2: measured sip of wine. Ah. Yes, he said, with a 153 00:10:29,880 --> 00:10:33,040 Speaker 2: false grin, I have heard rumors of such a child 154 00:10:33,120 --> 00:10:36,440 Speaker 2: being born. My servants think I do not hear their 155 00:10:36,480 --> 00:10:40,880 Speaker 2: whispers in the halls. But such news is worth celebrating, 156 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:45,080 Speaker 2: is it not. Herod's servants stepped back in fear. The 157 00:10:45,120 --> 00:10:48,040 Speaker 2: proclamations of the shepherds had reached some of them, but 158 00:10:48,120 --> 00:10:52,920 Speaker 2: they had purposely hidden it from Herod. Balshazzar steadied, Herod, carefully, 159 00:10:53,440 --> 00:10:58,199 Speaker 2: do you know where he is? Although I have heard rumors, 160 00:10:58,600 --> 00:11:01,640 Speaker 2: no news has reached my throne. But if it is 161 00:11:01,720 --> 00:11:05,200 Speaker 2: the prophesied Messiah you are looking for, the priests and 162 00:11:05,240 --> 00:11:09,320 Speaker 2: scribes may be able to be of some aid Harod's summons. 163 00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:12,760 Speaker 2: Some of the temple priests and scribes, they too, were 164 00:11:12,800 --> 00:11:17,440 Speaker 2: disturbed to hear the news. Tell Us priests, Herod said, 165 00:11:17,840 --> 00:11:22,800 Speaker 2: where is the prophesiede child to be found? The priests 166 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:28,560 Speaker 2: spoke among themselves for a moment, then replied, Bethehem, my lord, 167 00:11:29,120 --> 00:11:35,080 Speaker 2: the birthplace of David. For the prophecies declare us, and you, 168 00:11:35,480 --> 00:11:39,679 Speaker 2: oh Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no 169 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:44,560 Speaker 2: means least among the rulers of Judah. For from you 170 00:11:44,679 --> 00:11:49,960 Speaker 2: shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. 171 00:11:50,840 --> 00:11:54,080 Speaker 2: Herod's smile was a serpent's grin as he raised his 172 00:11:54,200 --> 00:11:58,360 Speaker 2: glass to the wise men. Then perhaps the rumors hold true, 173 00:11:58,559 --> 00:12:04,360 Speaker 2: my lords, you king may indeed grace our land glory 174 00:12:04,559 --> 00:12:08,880 Speaker 2: to God. But his eyes were stormy seas churning with 175 00:12:09,080 --> 00:12:13,319 Speaker 2: rage and fear. Should you find the child, do return 176 00:12:13,400 --> 00:12:17,439 Speaker 2: and tell me so that I too may pay my respects. 177 00:12:18,120 --> 00:12:21,880 Speaker 2: The magi thanked Herod and departed. Herod watched them leave, 178 00:12:22,160 --> 00:12:25,400 Speaker 2: his smile changing into a snarl as the door closed 179 00:12:25,440 --> 00:12:31,040 Speaker 2: behind them. Messiah or not, he hissed in a venomous whisper, 180 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:36,360 Speaker 2: no one will dethrone me. His eyes blazed with malevolence 181 00:12:36,440 --> 00:12:39,600 Speaker 2: that recalled the cruelty of Pharaoh long ago. With a 182 00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:42,439 Speaker 2: cry of fury, he hurled his cup against the wall 183 00:12:42,679 --> 00:12:48,520 Speaker 2: and summoned his guards slay every boy under two. Show 184 00:12:48,679 --> 00:12:52,600 Speaker 2: no mercy to those who defy me. He slumped back 185 00:12:52,640 --> 00:12:56,839 Speaker 2: into his throne, his thoughts a whirlwind of paranoia. An 186 00:12:57,080 --> 00:13:00,959 Speaker 2: infant shall not undo me, He vowed the words a 187 00:13:01,160 --> 00:13:05,000 Speaker 2: dark oath. The palace seemed to shudder at his command, 188 00:13:05,320 --> 00:13:10,120 Speaker 2: a foreboding silence descending as Herod's madness spiraled further into 189 00:13:10,160 --> 00:13:13,840 Speaker 2: the darkness, a void of which there could be no return. 190 00:13:15,920 --> 00:13:19,400 Speaker 3: This story, inspired by Matthew Chapter two, is a tale 191 00:13:19,400 --> 00:13:22,800 Speaker 3: that paints a picture of the bleak circumstances into which 192 00:13:22,880 --> 00:13:26,920 Speaker 3: Jesus was born. The boot of Rome was heavy on Israel, 193 00:13:27,360 --> 00:13:30,160 Speaker 3: and those who weren't contributing to the empire were cast 194 00:13:30,160 --> 00:13:34,240 Speaker 3: aside and forgotten. The appearance of the wise men from 195 00:13:34,280 --> 00:13:37,760 Speaker 3: the East heralded a fresh sense of hope that transcended 196 00:13:37,760 --> 00:13:41,640 Speaker 3: the earthly suffering seen in the poverty stricken villages. The 197 00:13:41,679 --> 00:13:44,679 Speaker 3: sight of Caspar's compassion for the broken family by the 198 00:13:44,760 --> 00:13:50,280 Speaker 3: roadside provides a vivid example of this newfound hope, illustrating 199 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:52,959 Speaker 3: how the birth of Jesus inspires us to reach out 200 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:56,880 Speaker 3: to those in need. Indeed, Jesus is coming is a 201 00:13:56,920 --> 00:14:01,080 Speaker 3: sign that hope is closer than it seems. In our lives. 202 00:14:01,360 --> 00:14:05,480 Speaker 3: We may face hopeless situations, yet the story of Jesus's 203 00:14:05,600 --> 00:14:09,800 Speaker 3: birth reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, hope 204 00:14:09,880 --> 00:14:15,360 Speaker 3: is alive and can be found in him. The story 205 00:14:15,360 --> 00:14:17,800 Speaker 3: of the Magi paints a grim picture of the Roman 206 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:23,120 Speaker 3: Empire's cruel dominion. Villages lay in ruin, and the impoverished 207 00:14:23,160 --> 00:14:27,880 Speaker 3: were subjected to the Empire's iron grip. But in this devastation, 208 00:14:28,320 --> 00:14:30,600 Speaker 3: the Magi were led by a star to the place 209 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:34,040 Speaker 3: where the true king was born. The Kingdom of God 210 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:38,560 Speaker 3: is unlike any earthly kingdom. While Caesar's rule brought destruction 211 00:14:38,720 --> 00:14:45,360 Speaker 3: and subjugation, Jesus's kingdom brought restoration, peace and justice. The 212 00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:48,840 Speaker 3: birth of Christ inaugurated a new era where the marginalized 213 00:14:48,840 --> 00:14:53,440 Speaker 3: and oppressed could find refuge and dignity. The Kingdom of 214 00:14:53,440 --> 00:14:58,120 Speaker 3: God is not built on power and domination, but on love, mercy, 215 00:14:58,840 --> 00:15:03,640 Speaker 3: and grace. Herod is a personification of the greed, corruption, 216 00:15:03,880 --> 00:15:08,000 Speaker 3: and evil Israel was oppressed by during that time. Under 217 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:12,400 Speaker 3: that politician's smile, was a man consumed with bitterness and jealousy. 218 00:15:13,720 --> 00:15:17,080 Speaker 3: Herod's response to the birth of Jesus reveals the depths 219 00:15:17,120 --> 00:15:20,800 Speaker 3: to which jealousy and fear can drive a person. Though 220 00:15:20,800 --> 00:15:23,920 Speaker 3: he initially feigned interest in worshiping the new born king, 221 00:15:24,560 --> 00:15:28,720 Speaker 3: his true intentions were soon laid bare. Driven by a 222 00:15:28,760 --> 00:15:33,600 Speaker 3: relentless desire to protect his own power, he issued a 223 00:15:33,640 --> 00:15:38,160 Speaker 3: horrifying command to slay every boy under too in Bethlehem. 224 00:15:38,880 --> 00:15:42,880 Speaker 3: This sobering account reminds us of the destructive nature of jealousy. 225 00:15:44,120 --> 00:15:47,320 Speaker 3: Like Herod, jealousy can blind us to reason and lead 226 00:15:47,400 --> 00:15:51,400 Speaker 3: us to unspeakable cruelty. It's a stark warning to guard 227 00:15:51,440 --> 00:15:54,760 Speaker 3: our hearts against envy and to seek contentment in what 228 00:15:54,800 --> 00:15:58,840 Speaker 3: God has given to us. Herod's rule was marked by 229 00:15:58,880 --> 00:16:03,840 Speaker 3: betrayal and violence, founded on fear and oppression, but the 230 00:16:03,880 --> 00:16:06,640 Speaker 3: birth of Jesus heralded a new kind of king who 231 00:16:06,680 --> 00:16:12,400 Speaker 3: rules with love, compassion, and righteousness. Unlike Herod, whose rule 232 00:16:12,480 --> 00:16:17,040 Speaker 3: was threatened by a mere infant, Jesus' kingship is unshakable. 233 00:16:18,200 --> 00:16:20,680 Speaker 3: In our present age, it's tempting to put our trust 234 00:16:20,680 --> 00:16:24,920 Speaker 3: in political leaders or ideologies, hoping they will bring about 235 00:16:24,960 --> 00:16:28,760 Speaker 3: the change we desire, But the story of Herod reminds 236 00:16:28,840 --> 00:16:32,520 Speaker 3: us that earthly rulers are fallible and often driven by 237 00:16:32,600 --> 00:16:36,480 Speaker 3: self interest. Jesus, on the other hand, is a king 238 00:16:36,520 --> 00:16:40,920 Speaker 3: who reigns with perfect justice and love. In him alone 239 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:46,640 Speaker 3: we find solid and eternal hope. Above all, this passage 240 00:16:46,720 --> 00:16:51,520 Speaker 3: underscores the incomparable kingship of Jesus in a world fraught 241 00:16:51,560 --> 00:16:56,440 Speaker 3: with uncertainty, he remains the unchanging and faithful star to follow. 242 00:16:57,840 --> 00:17:00,880 Speaker 3: May this Christmas season rekindle in us a fresh sense 243 00:17:00,880 --> 00:17:04,479 Speaker 3: of wonder at the birth of our Savior and renew 244 00:17:04,520 --> 00:17:09,080 Speaker 3: our commitment to live as citizens of His kingdom. Join 245 00:17:09,160 --> 00:17:12,560 Speaker 3: us for our next episode. The magi will finally behold 246 00:17:12,560 --> 00:17:15,720 Speaker 3: the King they've been waiting for. The gifts they give 247 00:17:15,800 --> 00:17:19,199 Speaker 3: will provide us with deep theological insight into the nature 248 00:17:19,240 --> 00:17:22,919 Speaker 3: of Jesus. Thank you for listening to today's Bible in 249 00:17:22,960 --> 00:17:26,359 Speaker 3: a Year podcast. I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas, and 250 00:17:26,440 --> 00:17:28,520 Speaker 3: before we go, I want you to know that I 251 00:17:28,520 --> 00:17:31,680 Speaker 3: would love to send you my daily devotional to give 252 00:17:31,680 --> 00:17:36,440 Speaker 3: you fresh encouragement every single day, So visit Jaggraham dot 253 00:17:36,560 --> 00:17:40,200 Speaker 3: org to sign up for your PowerPoint Today devotional. That's 254 00:17:40,359 --> 00:17:42,040 Speaker 3: Jack Graham dot org.