1 00:00:00,500 --> 00:00:04,360 Speaker 1: Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can't 2 00:00:04,440 --> 00:00:10,899 Speaker 1: inherit God's kingdom, neither does the perishable inherit imperishable. 1 3 00:00:10,900 --> 00:00:17,630 Speaker 1: Corinthians 15.50 Dear Lord, your kingdom is eternal, everlasting, and imperishable. 4 00:00:18,590 --> 00:00:21,810 Speaker 1: We recognize that we are unable to obtain heaven on 5 00:00:21,870 --> 00:00:26,030 Speaker 1: our own. It is only through faith in you, Lord Jesus, 6 00:00:26,870 --> 00:00:30,880 Speaker 1: that we can access eternal life. In light of these things, 7 00:00:31,740 --> 00:00:34,940 Speaker 1: we pray that you would set our mind on your kingdom. 8 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:40,120 Speaker 1: Since we have inherited eternal life in you, may we 9 00:00:40,159 --> 00:00:46,019 Speaker 1: set our minds solely on eternal things. May the kingdom, glory, 10 00:00:46,440 --> 00:00:51,530 Speaker 1: and righteous word be ever present in our thoughts. May 11 00:00:51,590 --> 00:00:55,810 Speaker 1: your throne rest on the forefront of our minds, guiding 12 00:00:55,890 --> 00:01:00,460 Speaker 1: us in all we do. When we stumble, and dwell 13 00:01:00,500 --> 00:01:04,280 Speaker 1: on the carnal things of this world? Would you redirect 14 00:01:04,319 --> 00:01:09,140 Speaker 1: our thoughts and illuminate our paths? We trust you to 15 00:01:09,180 --> 00:01:11,520 Speaker 1: do all these things and more. 16 00:01:12,800 --> 00:01:13,580 Speaker 2: In Jesus' name. 17 00:01:15,190 --> 00:01:19,890 Speaker 1: Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned 18 00:01:19,970 --> 00:01:23,729 Speaker 1: now for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with 19 00:01:23,810 --> 00:01:24,589 Speaker 1: Rabbi Schneider. 20 00:01:33,590 --> 00:01:36,410 Speaker 3: The shepherds stood and bowed their heads to Mary and Joseph. 21 00:01:37,010 --> 00:01:40,280 Speaker 3: They exited the stable, stealing one final glance at the 22 00:01:40,340 --> 00:01:43,580 Speaker 3: child before they left. The sun began to rise over 23 00:01:43,620 --> 00:01:47,200 Speaker 3: the hills, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink. 24 00:01:47,970 --> 00:01:51,030 Speaker 3: Their hearts were filled with an overflowing well of joy. 25 00:01:51,430 --> 00:01:54,910 Speaker 3: Their contemplative walk slowly turned into a dance of praise 26 00:01:54,950 --> 00:01:58,740 Speaker 3: and worship. Soon enough, the shepherds were shouting through the streets, 27 00:01:59,180 --> 00:02:02,140 Speaker 3: their voices raised in worship, and faces glowing with a 28 00:02:02,180 --> 00:02:06,420 Speaker 3: light that drew curious onlookers. Some shook their heads, thinking 29 00:02:06,460 --> 00:02:10,040 Speaker 3: the shepherds were crazy, drunk, or both. But the shepherds, 30 00:02:10,380 --> 00:02:13,859 Speaker 3: undeterred by scorn, proclaimed that the Messiah had been born, 31 00:02:14,320 --> 00:02:17,769 Speaker 3: and they had been privileged to see him. Word began 32 00:02:17,810 --> 00:02:20,910 Speaker 3: to spread like ripples in a pond, the whispers growing 33 00:02:20,970 --> 00:02:26,070 Speaker 3: in strength and conviction. The shepherd's testimony, although unlikely, rekindled 34 00:02:26,150 --> 00:02:29,010 Speaker 3: hope in a few who heard it. If the Messiah 35 00:02:29,030 --> 00:02:32,740 Speaker 3: had truly been born, then hope for Israel was alive. 36 00:02:33,400 --> 00:02:36,000 Speaker 3: The testimony reached the ears of some of the servants 37 00:02:36,060 --> 00:02:40,519 Speaker 3: of Herod, the land's ruler. Their faces paled, their hearts 38 00:02:40,639 --> 00:02:43,920 Speaker 3: pounding with fear and hope. They did not tell Herod, 39 00:02:44,260 --> 00:02:47,970 Speaker 3: choosing instead to hold silent, their minds filled with dreams 40 00:02:48,010 --> 00:02:51,440 Speaker 3: of redemption from the oppression of Rome. Once weighed down 41 00:02:51,480 --> 00:02:54,520 Speaker 3: by sorrow and suffering, the land seemed to awaken to 42 00:02:54,560 --> 00:02:58,590 Speaker 3: a new possibility. The whispers grew into a chorus of voices, 43 00:02:59,100 --> 00:03:03,950 Speaker 3: a community united by faith and longing. In that humble stable, 44 00:03:04,270 --> 00:03:07,209 Speaker 3: a child had been born, a king who would change 45 00:03:07,270 --> 00:03:07,870 Speaker 3: the world. 46 00:03:09,230 --> 00:03:12,230 Speaker 4: Hello, I'm Pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the 47 00:03:12,290 --> 00:03:17,600 Speaker 4: Bible in a Year podcast. Today, we meet a new character, Herod. 48 00:03:19,040 --> 00:03:22,780 Speaker 4: King Herod maintained a continuous vigilance to ward off any 49 00:03:22,880 --> 00:03:27,250 Speaker 4: dangers to his throne, with his fears often extending to 50 00:03:27,290 --> 00:03:31,470 Speaker 4: those within his own family. He was responsible for the 51 00:03:31,530 --> 00:03:36,370 Speaker 4: deaths of numerous relatives, fearing their betrayal. Though Herod sought 52 00:03:36,390 --> 00:03:39,070 Speaker 4: to gain the favor of the Jewish population over whom 53 00:03:39,130 --> 00:03:42,770 Speaker 4: he ruled, he himself was not a Jew but an Edomite. 54 00:03:44,050 --> 00:03:47,510 Speaker 4: Rome acknowledged him as a subservient king in charge of Judea. 55 00:03:49,030 --> 00:03:53,710 Speaker 4: Despite their intense dislike for him, the Jews also respected Herod, 56 00:03:54,070 --> 00:03:58,670 Speaker 4: primarily due to his architectural achievements, including the significant enhancements 57 00:03:58,710 --> 00:04:03,310 Speaker 4: he made to the second temple. Herod's reign was marked 58 00:04:03,350 --> 00:04:08,310 Speaker 4: by brutal and aggressive actions. Immediately upon ascending to the throne, 59 00:04:08,690 --> 00:04:13,730 Speaker 4: he eradicated the Sanhedrin. He executed 300 court officials. He 60 00:04:13,810 --> 00:04:17,409 Speaker 4: also killed his wife, Mary Ann, and her mother, Alexandra. 61 00:04:18,390 --> 00:04:21,540 Speaker 4: He killed his eldest son Antipater and two other sons, 62 00:04:21,770 --> 00:04:26,760 Speaker 4: Alexander and Aristobulus. His rule was a chilling era of 63 00:04:26,880 --> 00:04:31,120 Speaker 4: violence and fear, reflecting the dark aspects of his own character. 64 00:04:32,620 --> 00:04:36,420 Speaker 4: The Magi are about to enter Herod's palace. If you've 65 00:04:36,460 --> 00:04:38,940 Speaker 4: read the Gospel of Matthew, you'll know that the news 66 00:04:39,020 --> 00:04:43,020 Speaker 4: of Jesus' birth will cause Herod to commit unimaginable cruelties. 67 00:04:44,270 --> 00:04:48,130 Speaker 4: Let's dive into the story. Afterward, We'll unpack the themes 68 00:04:48,210 --> 00:04:51,080 Speaker 4: of what it truly means to be a king and 69 00:04:51,200 --> 00:04:55,060 Speaker 4: how Herod is contrasted with the true king of the Jews, Jesus. 70 00:04:57,100 --> 00:05:00,420 Speaker 3: The caravan moved through the desert like a river cutting 71 00:05:00,480 --> 00:05:05,330 Speaker 3: through canyons. Caspar, Melchior, and Belshazzar were at the head 72 00:05:05,370 --> 00:05:09,349 Speaker 3: of the caravan, guided by the star. They moved from 73 00:05:09,589 --> 00:05:13,570 Speaker 3: endless sand dunes to rugged mountains and dense forests. The 74 00:05:13,610 --> 00:05:17,120 Speaker 3: path was arduous, and the journey taxed even the most 75 00:05:17,210 --> 00:05:21,200 Speaker 3: robust of their company. As they journeyed west, they began 76 00:05:21,260 --> 00:05:24,560 Speaker 3: to witness the heavy hand of the Roman Empire. Once 77 00:05:24,660 --> 00:05:28,760 Speaker 3: teeming with vibrant and simple life, remote villages lay in ruin, 78 00:05:29,100 --> 00:05:33,720 Speaker 3: their inhabitants either subjugated or fleeing from Roman wrath. Caesar 79 00:05:33,760 --> 00:05:36,820 Speaker 3: had no need for poor villages that couldn't contribute to 80 00:05:36,860 --> 00:05:40,700 Speaker 3: the empire. As the Magi walked through the broken-down villages, 81 00:05:41,160 --> 00:05:44,820 Speaker 3: they realized just how heavy the iron grip of Rome was. 82 00:05:45,589 --> 00:05:49,750 Speaker 3: Caspar was a man of riches and nobility. Some even 83 00:05:49,810 --> 00:05:53,349 Speaker 3: referred to him as Solomon Reborn. But as he looked 84 00:05:53,450 --> 00:05:55,970 Speaker 3: upon a begging family on the side of the road, 85 00:05:56,330 --> 00:05:57,450 Speaker 3: his heart broke. 86 00:05:57,480 --> 00:05:58,680 Speaker 2: Stop! 87 00:05:59,400 --> 00:06:02,900 Speaker 3: Caspar said with a raspy voice. His camel knelt down, 88 00:06:03,120 --> 00:06:06,480 Speaker 3: and he dismounted. He approached the family with a quivering lip. 89 00:06:07,210 --> 00:06:10,050 Speaker 2: It will not replace what you have lost, but I 90 00:06:10,110 --> 00:06:11,170 Speaker 2: hope it blesses you. 91 00:06:11,490 --> 00:06:14,290 Speaker 3: He handed them a leather bag of expensive spices to 92 00:06:14,350 --> 00:06:17,950 Speaker 3: sell and a cloth wrapped around a large piece of silver. 93 00:06:18,510 --> 00:06:21,030 Speaker 3: The father received it and held it for a while 94 00:06:21,089 --> 00:06:24,490 Speaker 3: in his hand. Hope, he said with a jaded and 95 00:06:24,529 --> 00:06:29,320 Speaker 3: weathered tone. Hope is a distant memory. Behind Casper's long 96 00:06:29,380 --> 00:06:33,020 Speaker 3: white beard there was a compassionate smile. He walked back 97 00:06:33,080 --> 00:06:36,890 Speaker 3: to his camel and mounted it. Before proceeding, he glanced 98 00:06:36,970 --> 00:06:38,230 Speaker 3: back at him and said. 99 00:06:38,690 --> 00:06:41,430 Speaker 2: Perhaps hope is closer than you think. 100 00:06:41,980 --> 00:06:46,460 Speaker 3: With those words, the caravan continued through the winding Judean countryside. 101 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:50,500 Speaker 3: Nature was alive with new life. The wind carried the 102 00:06:50,540 --> 00:06:54,530 Speaker 3: scent of freshly budding wildflowers, and fawns pranced through the 103 00:06:54,570 --> 00:06:59,630 Speaker 3: grassy valleys. As they neared Judea, the anticipation grew. They 104 00:06:59,670 --> 00:07:03,130 Speaker 3: felt a pole, a magnetic force that guided their every step. 105 00:07:03,710 --> 00:07:06,470 Speaker 3: The star had led them to Judea, but the exact 106 00:07:06,529 --> 00:07:09,130 Speaker 3: location of the Messiah was still unknown to them. 107 00:07:09,570 --> 00:07:14,180 Speaker 2: Tell me, Melchior, Caspar said. Where would a Judean king 108 00:07:14,280 --> 00:07:14,900 Speaker 2: be born? 109 00:07:15,480 --> 00:07:18,240 Speaker 3: Melchior pointed to a city glimmering in the distance. 110 00:07:18,520 --> 00:07:18,740 Speaker 1: Jerusalem. 111 00:07:18,800 --> 00:07:22,210 Speaker 3: Jerusalem. He said,'' The city of David and home to 112 00:07:22,230 --> 00:07:26,290 Speaker 3: the temple. No doubt the city will be alive with celebration.'' 113 00:07:26,030 --> 00:07:30,200 Speaker 3: The caravan entered the city with pomp. They were hardly inconspicuous, 114 00:07:30,460 --> 00:07:33,520 Speaker 3: with their camels adorned with purple and chests of gold 115 00:07:33,680 --> 00:07:37,040 Speaker 3: following them on carts. The rest of their caravan waited 116 00:07:37,120 --> 00:07:40,890 Speaker 3: outside the city gates to replenish camels and restock on supplies. 117 00:07:41,410 --> 00:07:44,510 Speaker 3: But the three wise men pressed forward, seeking out the 118 00:07:44,570 --> 00:07:48,770 Speaker 3: palace of Herod, the Tetrarch of Judea. His palace loomed 119 00:07:48,830 --> 00:07:54,430 Speaker 3: over the bustling marketplace, imposing and cold, symbolizing power and dominance. 120 00:07:55,070 --> 00:07:58,350 Speaker 3: Herod was indeed a master of deceit, cunning as a 121 00:07:58,390 --> 00:07:59,170 Speaker 3: desert fox. 122 00:07:59,770 --> 00:08:00,670 Speaker 2: His mind was. 123 00:08:00,610 --> 00:08:04,570 Speaker 3: A labyrinth of political intrigue and deception, honed sharp enough 124 00:08:04,610 --> 00:08:07,390 Speaker 3: to cut through the Gordian knot of political power that 125 00:08:07,450 --> 00:08:12,330 Speaker 3: entrapped many rulers. He had an insatiable thirst for dominance, 126 00:08:12,750 --> 00:08:15,970 Speaker 3: a desire that drove him to impose crippling taxes upon 127 00:08:16,010 --> 00:08:20,230 Speaker 3: the very people he ruled. Even Caesar Augustus, the master 128 00:08:20,290 --> 00:08:23,270 Speaker 3: of Rome, quipped that it was safer to be Herod's 129 00:08:23,350 --> 00:08:27,320 Speaker 3: swine than his offspring, for Herod was notorious for slaying 130 00:08:27,520 --> 00:08:30,180 Speaker 3: any of his children that proved to threaten his power. 131 00:08:30,940 --> 00:08:35,140 Speaker 3: Word of the Magi's arrival, however, presented an opportunity for Herod. 132 00:08:35,790 --> 00:08:38,590 Speaker 3: To him, it was a chance to acquire more favor 133 00:08:38,650 --> 00:08:42,050 Speaker 3: from rich men. He ordered his servants to prepare a 134 00:08:42,110 --> 00:08:45,390 Speaker 3: feast worthy of emperors. He laid a bounty of food 135 00:08:45,429 --> 00:08:49,510 Speaker 3: at the table and surrounded them with music, wine, and dances. 136 00:08:50,390 --> 00:08:53,770 Speaker 3: To the Magi, men of refinement and culture, such a 137 00:08:53,809 --> 00:09:00,890 Speaker 3: reception was not uncommon. However, something was disquieting about the feast. Belshazzar, 138 00:09:01,050 --> 00:09:04,980 Speaker 3: in particular, had his guard up. Herod entered the great 139 00:09:05,040 --> 00:09:09,780 Speaker 3: halls and stretched out his arm. My lords, to what 140 00:09:09,840 --> 00:09:14,099 Speaker 3: do I owe this pleasure? Herod asked, his voice dripping 141 00:09:14,179 --> 00:09:15,599 Speaker 3: with feigned graciousness. 142 00:09:16,260 --> 00:09:18,600 Speaker 2: We seek the newborn king of the Jews. 143 00:09:19,120 --> 00:09:22,880 Speaker 3: They replied with a bow. The Messiah's star has guided 144 00:09:22,960 --> 00:09:25,780 Speaker 3: us here, and we intend to honor him with our 145 00:09:25,880 --> 00:09:30,540 Speaker 3: tributes and adoration. A shiver ran down Herod's spine. 146 00:09:30,160 --> 00:09:32,890 Speaker 2: At their words. Rumors had reached his. 147 00:09:32,890 --> 00:09:36,250 Speaker 3: Ears, whispers of a child born to be king. But 148 00:09:36,330 --> 00:09:40,020 Speaker 3: Herod was king, and no infant would unravel what he 149 00:09:40,040 --> 00:09:44,280 Speaker 3: had spent decades making. Concealing his inner disgust, he took 150 00:09:44,320 --> 00:09:45,580 Speaker 3: a measured sip of wine. 151 00:09:45,600 --> 00:09:48,220 Speaker 2: Ah, yes,'. 152 00:09:48,080 --> 00:09:50,860 Speaker 3: He said with a false grin.' I have heard rumors 153 00:09:50,940 --> 00:09:54,510 Speaker 3: of such a child being born. My servants think I 154 00:09:54,550 --> 00:09:57,990 Speaker 3: do not hear their whispers in the halls. But such 155 00:09:58,130 --> 00:10:02,600 Speaker 3: news is worth celebrating,' is it not harrod's servants stepped 156 00:10:02,660 --> 00:10:05,880 Speaker 3: back in fear the proclamations of the shepherds had reached 157 00:10:05,900 --> 00:10:08,569 Speaker 3: some of them but they had purposely hidden it from 158 00:10:08,630 --> 00:10:11,720 Speaker 3: harrod Belshazzar steadied Herod carefully. 159 00:10:12,280 --> 00:10:14,320 Speaker 2: Do you know where he is? 160 00:10:15,059 --> 00:10:19,380 Speaker 3: Although I have heard rumors, no news has reached my throne. 161 00:10:19,880 --> 00:10:22,819 Speaker 3: But if it is the prophesied Messiah you are looking for, 162 00:10:23,240 --> 00:10:25,880 Speaker 3: the priests and scribes may be able to be of 163 00:10:25,970 --> 00:10:30,170 Speaker 3: some aid. Herod summoned some of the temple priests and scribes. 164 00:10:30,630 --> 00:10:35,000 Speaker 3: They too were disturbed to hear the news. Tell us, priests, 165 00:10:35,640 --> 00:10:40,490 Speaker 3: Herod said, where is the prophesied child to be found? 166 00:10:41,030 --> 00:10:46,830 Speaker 3: The priests spoke among themselves for a moment, then replied, Bethlehem, 167 00:10:46,910 --> 00:10:52,550 Speaker 3: my lord, the birthplace of David, for the prophecies declare thus. 168 00:10:53,500 --> 00:10:58,000 Speaker 3: And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are 169 00:10:58,059 --> 00:11:02,439 Speaker 3: by no means least among the rulers of Judah. For 170 00:11:02,580 --> 00:11:07,070 Speaker 3: from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my 171 00:11:07,309 --> 00:11:12,290 Speaker 3: people Israel. Herod's smile was a serpent's grin as he 172 00:11:12,390 --> 00:11:15,890 Speaker 3: raised his glass to the wise men. Then perhaps the 173 00:11:15,970 --> 00:11:20,609 Speaker 3: rumors hold true, my lords. A new king may indeed 174 00:11:20,750 --> 00:11:25,610 Speaker 3: grace our land. Glory to God. But his eyes were 175 00:11:25,750 --> 00:11:30,339 Speaker 3: stormy seas, churning with rage and fear. Should you find 176 00:11:30,380 --> 00:11:33,880 Speaker 3: the child, do return and tell me, so that I 177 00:11:34,140 --> 00:11:39,079 Speaker 3: too may pay my respects. The Magi thanked Herod and departed. 178 00:11:39,620 --> 00:11:43,040 Speaker 3: Herod watched them leave, his smile changing into a snarl 179 00:11:43,120 --> 00:11:48,230 Speaker 3: as the door closed behind them. Messiah or not, he 180 00:11:48,290 --> 00:11:52,480 Speaker 3: hissed in a venomous whisper, no one will dethrone me. 181 00:11:53,510 --> 00:11:56,500 Speaker 3: His eyes blazed with malevolence that recalled the cruelty of 182 00:11:56,600 --> 00:12:00,140 Speaker 3: Pharaoh long ago. With a cry of fury, he hurled 183 00:12:00,179 --> 00:12:04,060 Speaker 3: his cup against the wall and summoned his guards. Slay 184 00:12:04,420 --> 00:12:09,220 Speaker 3: every boy under two! Show no mercy to those who 185 00:12:09,240 --> 00:12:13,420 Speaker 3: defy me! He slumped back into his throne, his thoughts 186 00:12:13,500 --> 00:12:17,960 Speaker 3: a whirlwind of paranoia. An infant shall not undo me. 187 00:12:18,240 --> 00:12:22,500 Speaker 3: He vowed the words a dark oath. The palace seemed 188 00:12:22,540 --> 00:12:26,540 Speaker 3: to shudder at his command, a foreboding silence descending as 189 00:12:26,620 --> 00:12:30,790 Speaker 3: Herod's madness spiraled further into the darkness, a void of 190 00:12:30,830 --> 00:12:32,790 Speaker 3: which there could be no return. 191 00:12:34,429 --> 00:12:37,870 Speaker 4: This story, inspired by Matthew chapter 2, is a tale 192 00:12:37,910 --> 00:12:41,319 Speaker 4: that paints a picture of the bleak circumstances into which 193 00:12:41,420 --> 00:12:45,420 Speaker 4: Jesus was born. The boot of Rome was heavy on Israel, 194 00:12:45,920 --> 00:12:48,640 Speaker 4: and those who weren't contributing to the empire were cast 195 00:12:48,700 --> 00:12:52,750 Speaker 4: aside and forgotten. the appearance of the wise men from 196 00:12:52,770 --> 00:12:56,229 Speaker 4: the East heralded a fresh sense of hope that transcended 197 00:12:56,270 --> 00:13:00,430 Speaker 4: the earthly suffering seen in the poverty-stricken villages. The sight 198 00:13:00,460 --> 00:13:03,780 Speaker 4: of Kaspar's compassion for the broken family by the roadside 199 00:13:04,160 --> 00:13:09,000 Speaker 4: provides a vivid example of this newfound hope, illustrating how 200 00:13:09,059 --> 00:13:11,560 Speaker 4: the birth of Jesus inspires us to reach out to 201 00:13:11,600 --> 00:13:15,880 Speaker 4: those in need. Indeed, Jesus' coming is a sign that 202 00:13:15,960 --> 00:13:19,600 Speaker 4: hope is closer than it seems. In our lives today, 203 00:13:19,900 --> 00:13:24,020 Speaker 4: We may face hopeless situations, yet the story of Jesus' 204 00:13:24,080 --> 00:13:28,300 Speaker 4: birth reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, hope 205 00:13:28,380 --> 00:13:33,849 Speaker 4: is alive and can be found in Him. The story 206 00:13:33,870 --> 00:13:36,310 Speaker 4: of the Magi paints a grim picture of the Roman 207 00:13:36,370 --> 00:13:41,610 Speaker 4: Empire's cruel dominion. Villages lay in ruin, and the impoverished 208 00:13:41,650 --> 00:13:46,460 Speaker 4: were subjected to the Empire's iron grip. But in this devastation, 209 00:13:46,860 --> 00:13:49,140 Speaker 4: The Magi were led by a star to the place 210 00:13:49,179 --> 00:13:52,540 Speaker 4: where the true king was born. The kingdom of God 211 00:13:52,620 --> 00:13:57,160 Speaker 4: is unlike any earthly kingdom. While Caesar's rule brought destruction 212 00:13:57,250 --> 00:14:03,910 Speaker 4: and subjugation, Jesus' kingdom brought restoration, peace, and justice. The 213 00:14:03,929 --> 00:14:07,330 Speaker 4: birth of Christ inaugurated a new era where the marginalized 214 00:14:07,390 --> 00:14:11,900 Speaker 4: and oppressed could find refuge and dignity. The kingdom of 215 00:14:11,960 --> 00:14:17,840 Speaker 4: God is not built on power and domination, but on love, mercy, grace. 216 00:14:18,940 --> 00:14:23,160 Speaker 4: Herod is a personification of the greed, corruption, and evil 217 00:14:23,280 --> 00:14:27,540 Speaker 4: Israel was oppressed by during that time. Under that politician's 218 00:14:27,580 --> 00:14:32,540 Speaker 4: smile was a man consumed with bitterness and jealousy. Herod's 219 00:14:32,580 --> 00:14:35,720 Speaker 4: response to the birth of Jesus reveals the depths to 220 00:14:35,760 --> 00:14:39,450 Speaker 4: which jealousy and fear can drive a person. Though he 221 00:14:39,500 --> 00:14:43,530 Speaker 4: initially feigned interest in worshipping the newborn king, his true 222 00:14:43,590 --> 00:14:48,260 Speaker 4: intentions were soon laid bare. Driven by a relentless desire 223 00:14:48,320 --> 00:14:53,170 Speaker 4: to protect his own power, he issued a horrifying command 224 00:14:53,210 --> 00:14:58,070 Speaker 4: to slay every boy under two in Bethlehem. This sobering 225 00:14:58,110 --> 00:15:03,140 Speaker 4: account reminds us of the destructive nature of jealousy. Like Herod, 226 00:15:03,500 --> 00:15:06,140 Speaker 4: jealousy can blind us to reason and lead us to 227 00:15:06,260 --> 00:15:10,500 Speaker 4: unspeakable cruelty. It's a stark warning to guard our hearts 228 00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:13,720 Speaker 4: against envy and to seek contentment in what God has 229 00:15:13,740 --> 00:15:18,610 Speaker 4: given to us. Herod's rule was marked by betrayal and violence, 230 00:15:19,110 --> 00:15:23,170 Speaker 4: founded on fear and oppression. But the birth of Jesus 231 00:15:23,230 --> 00:15:27,000 Speaker 4: heralded a new kind of king who rules with love, compassion, 232 00:15:27,460 --> 00:15:31,860 Speaker 4: and righteousness. Unlike Herod, whose rule was threatened by a 233 00:15:31,900 --> 00:15:37,700 Speaker 4: mere infant, Jesus' kingship is unshakable. In our present age, 234 00:15:37,760 --> 00:15:41,440 Speaker 4: it's tempting to put our trust in political leaders or ideologies, 235 00:15:42,180 --> 00:15:45,820 Speaker 4: hoping they will bring about the change we desire. but 236 00:15:45,860 --> 00:15:49,020 Speaker 4: the story of Herod reminds us that earthly rulers are 237 00:15:49,100 --> 00:15:54,080 Speaker 4: fallible and often driven by self-interest. Jesus, on the other hand, 238 00:15:54,540 --> 00:15:57,600 Speaker 4: is a king who reigns with perfect justice and love. 239 00:15:58,500 --> 00:16:04,230 Speaker 4: In him alone we find solid and eternal hope. Above all, 240 00:16:04,530 --> 00:16:09,370 Speaker 4: this passage underscores the incomparable kingship of Jesus. In a 241 00:16:09,410 --> 00:16:13,890 Speaker 4: world fraught with uncertainty, he remains the unchanging and faithful 242 00:16:13,950 --> 00:16:18,390 Speaker 4: star to follow. May this Christmas season rekindle in us 243 00:16:18,650 --> 00:16:20,750 Speaker 4: a fresh sense of wonder at the birth of our 244 00:16:20,810 --> 00:16:25,250 Speaker 4: Savior and renew our commitment to live as citizens of 245 00:16:25,350 --> 00:16:29,970 Speaker 4: His kingdom. Join us for our next episode. The Magi 246 00:16:29,990 --> 00:16:33,580 Speaker 4: will finally behold the King they've been waiting for. The 247 00:16:33,620 --> 00:16:36,720 Speaker 4: gifts they give will provide us with deep theological insight 248 00:16:36,980 --> 00:16:38,220 Speaker 4: into the nature of Jesus.