Matthew 2:3

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

Herod the Great was born into an Edomite family. Edomites are the modern day Arabs. But Herod’s ancestors converted to Judaism and therefore Herod was raised as a Jew and followed the Jewish laws.

He had jurisdiction over Jerusalem and Bethlehem. He was appointed as the King of Judea by the Roman Empire authorities. When Herod heard about the coming of the Messiah, he was troubled in his heart. The people in Jerusalem were also troubled to hear this news. Why? Because for hundreds of years, it was prophesied by the prophets that a Savior to redeem the children of Israel would arrive.

By the time Baby Jesus arrived into this world, the Ark in the temple was no longer there. Even though people were offering the temple sacrifices by sacrificing the animals, there was no Ark to sprinkle the blood onto. In other words, the Jews were offering sacrifices in the temple without the presence of God.

Countless number of prophecies were foretold by the prophets for thousands of years that this Child will be the Messiah who will be called the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Primarily, He will be the One who will carry the government on His shoulders. This means that His rule will be very powerful.

For this reason knowing all this, king Herod feared that Jesus would aim for his throne. In those days it was a common fear of the kings was that they would be dethroned by another ruler.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!