Herod’s Response
In this sermon, Pastor Tim analyzes the story of King Herod's response to the birth of Jesus to show how self-glory, a refusal to submit to God's word, and hatred towards others can lead to destructive behavior. Pastor Tim contrasts Herod's negative example with the positive examples of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi who, despite their perceived distance from God, humbly sought and worshipped Jesus. He challenges his listeners to examine their own hearts for similar tendencies towards self-glorification, urging them to become better listeners, submit to God's word, and root out any hatred or animosity they may hold toward others. By focusing on these applications, Pastor Tim encourages his congregation to move away from a "Herod-like" response and embrace the true meaning of Christmas by following Jesus' example of humility, submission, and love. Ultimately, Pastor Tim reminds his listeners that they cannot accomplish these things in their own strength and encourages them to rely on Christ's transformative power to become more like him.
Deep Dive Podcast
A Study in Response: King Herod and the Birth of Jesus
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Please answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
According to Pastor Tim, how should the nativity scene be arranged? Why?
What is the significance of the Magi being able to recognize and pursue Jesus?
Describe King Herod's initial reaction to the news of Jesus' birth.
What biblical passage do the chief priests and teachers of the law use to inform Herod about the Messiah's birthplace?
What is Herod's response to hearing the prophecy about Jesus?
How does Herod use deception in his interaction with the Magi?
What action does Herod take after the Magi do not return to him?
How does Matthew connect Herod's actions to Old Testament prophecy?
According to Pastor Tim, how do humans often act like "terrible gods"?
What three practical steps does Pastor Tim suggest to move away from self-glory and toward a Christ-like life?
Short Answer Quiz Answer Key
The nativity scene should not include the wise men near the manger because they arrived much later, possibly years after Jesus' birth. This arrangement reflects the biblical account more accurately.
The Magi, despite being considered outsiders or even practitioners of magic, are able to see and pursue God. This demonstrates that God's grace is available to all who seek him, regardless of background or perceived distance from him.
Herod is deeply disturbed and paranoid upon hearing of Jesus' birth. He perceives Jesus as a threat to his authority and power.
The religious leaders quote from Micah 5:2, which prophesies that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Despite hearing the prophecy, Herod refuses to change or acknowledge Jesus as the true king. He clings to his own power and authority.
Herod pretends to be interested in worshipping Jesus, asking the Magi to inform him of the child's location. However, his true intention is to find and kill Jesus.
Enraged by the Magi's defiance, Herod orders the killing of all male children two years old and younger in Bethlehem and its surrounding area.
Matthew cites Jeremiah 31:15, which describes Rachel weeping for her children, to parallel Herod's massacre of the innocents and foreshadow the grief associated with Jesus' future suffering.
Humans try to be their own gods by placing themselves on the throne of their lives, seeking control and self-glorification. This leads to brokenness and an inability to truly find fulfillment.
Pastor Tim suggests becoming a good listener, being open to responding to God's Word with humility and action, and rejecting hatred and harmful words towards others.
Essay Questions
Analyze the contrasting responses of Mary, Joseph, and Herod to the news of Jesus' birth. How do their actions reflect their respective characters and spiritual states?
Explore the theme of God's upside-down Kingdom as presented in this sermon. How does the story of Jesus' birth challenge conventional notions of power, authority, and religious expectation?
Discuss the concept of "incurvatus in se" (being curved inward) and its relation to self-glory. How does this tendency manifest in contemporary society, and what are the implications for a Christian worldview?
How does Pastor Tim utilize Old Testament prophecy to interpret and give meaning to the events surrounding Jesus' birth? What is the significance of recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy in the New Testament?
Evaluate the three practical steps proposed by Pastor Tim to move away from self-glory: becoming a good listener, submitting to God's Word, and rejecting hatred and harmful speech. How do these actions reflect the character of Christ and contribute to spiritual growth?
Glossary of Key Terms
Magi: Wise men, possibly astrologers or priests, who traveled from the east following a star to find the newborn Jesus.
Herod the Great: The Roman-appointed king of Judea during Jesus' birth. Known for his paranoia, ruthlessness, and extensive building projects.
Edomites: Descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, who historically had a hostile relationship with the Israelites.
Micah 5:2: An Old Testament prophecy stating that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Incurvatus in se: A Latin phrase meaning "curved inward," often used to describe the human tendency towards self-centeredness.
Jeremiah 31:15: A passage depicting Rachel weeping for her children, which Matthew connects to the slaughter of the innocents by Herod.
Self-glory: The pursuit of one's own honor, praise, and recognition, often at the expense of others.
Submission to God's Word: Accepting and obeying the teachings and authority of Scripture, allowing it to shape one's beliefs and actions.
