Matthew 2:3

³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

INTRODUCTION

The birth of Jesus Christ was the most glorious announcement in human history.
Angels rejoiced, shepherds worshiped, and wise men traveled from afar.
Yet in the very same moment of celestial celebration, the Bible tells us: Herod was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

The arrival of Christ brings two opposite reactions:

• Joy to those who are seeking Him.
• Disturbance to those who cling to their own kingdom.

In Matthew 2:3, we see how the presence of Christ exposes hearts, divides responses, and reveals who truly sits on the throne of our lives.

1. THE KING THAT THREATENS EARTHLY THRONES

Herod was the king of Judea—an insecure man, hungry for power, paranoid about rivals.
When the wise men arrived asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” Herod immediately felt threatened.
This baby was no political candidate, no military leader—just a child in Bethlehem. Yet Herod feared Him.

Why?
Because Christ challenges every false kingdom.

Herod’s fear was rooted in:

• Loss of control
• Loss of authority
• Loss of identity as king

Christ didn’t come to share thrones; He came to claim the throne.
And that is still true today.

Modern Herod hearts say:

• “I want control of my life.”
• “I want my plans, my power, my comfort.”
• “I don’t want a King telling me how to live.”

Whenever Christ comes near, the Herod in us is exposed. The gospel confronts the idol of self-rule.

2. JERUSALEM WAS TROUBLED TOO — FEAR OF UPHEAVAL

Why was all Jerusalem troubled?

Because when Herod panicked, people suffered.
The city knew Herod’s reputation:

• He killed his own children
• He executed his wife
• He murdered anyone who threatened his rule

If Herod felt insecure, it meant danger for everyone.

Jerusalem wasn’t afraid of Jesus — they were afraid of the consequences of Herod’s reaction.

This is like many people today:

• They fear what following Jesus might cost
• They fear the disruption He might bring
• They fear the change of priorities
• They fear the shaking of their normal life

Christ doesn’t just comfort; He uproots, interrupts, and reorders.

Jerusalem should have rejoiced…but fear kept them from worship.

3. THE REACTION TO CHRIST REVEALS THE HEART

Herod heard of Jesus and was threatened.

The wise men heard of Jesus and rejoiced.

Same news.
Same message.
Different hearts.

The gospel always reveals:

• who wants Christ
• who resists Him
• who worships
• who opposes

Some rejoice at His lordship.
Others resist His authority.

Three heart responses today:

1. The Herod Heart – threatened by Christ’s rule
2. The Jerusalem Heart – afraid of the disruption Christ brings
3. The Wise Men Heart – joyful, seeking, willing to bow

Which heart is yours?

4. JESUS CAME AS KING — NOT JUST A BABY

Herod’s fear unintentionally reveals a profound truth:
Jesus Christ is truly King.

Even unbelievers recognized His kingship.
Even enemies trembled at His identity.
Even a corrupt ruler panicked at His arrival.

Jesus’ kingship means:

• He rules with justice
• He reigns forever
• He cannot be threatened
• His throne cannot be stolen
• No earthly power can overthrow Him

Herod tried to kill Him.
Satan tried to tempt Him.
The world tried to silence Him.
The grave tried to hold Him.

But Christ reigns still.

5. THE KING STILL DISTURBS TODAY — AND STILL SAVES

Christ still troubles the world today—not because He is harmful, but because He demands surrender.
He disturbs:

• sinful lifestyles
• selfish priorities
• prideful hearts
• ungodly habits
• worldly kingdoms

But the same King who disturbs also heals, forgives, rescues, and redeems.

The wise men bowed before Him.
Herod tried to destroy Him.

Both recognized one truth:
You cannot ignore this King.

You either bow or battle.
You either worship Him or resist Him.
Neutrality is impossible.

CONCLUSION: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE KING ARRIVES?

Christ is still arriving today—through the gospel, through Scripture, through the Spirit’s conviction.

The question is not:
“Was Herod troubled?”
It is:
Are you?

Does the presence of Jesus disturb anything in your life?

• Pride?
• Sin?
• Comfort?
• Control?

Or does His presence fill you with joy, like the wise men?

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!