Matthew 2:2-3 (Wise men came from the East) saying, “Where is the one born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and we have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed and all Jerusalem with him.
Herod was the rightful king of the Jews, right? No. Herod was chosen and appointed King of Judea by Caesar while there was already a king ruling over Judea. Herod fought on Rome’s side to overthrow that legitimate Jewish king. Herod eventually led the army that conquered Jerusalem for Rome. The rich and powerful of Jerusalem, who opposed him as king, had their lands and property confiscated. Those who supported him were financially rewarded. The rest of the children of Israel suffered greatly as Herod levied heavy taxes to support Rome. Under Herod, Jerusalem was not an occupied city, rather it became an extension of Rome to oversee the occupation of the rest of Judea. Although the Judean people were children of Israel in outward culture, their hearts belonged to Rome – not God. Herod and his allies in Jerusalem were “Rome.” This is the reason they were alarmed by the message of the wise men. They were deeply invested in the kingdom of this world and were willing to stand against anything or anyone that would threaten the existing kingdom and usher in a new kingdom … even the kingdom of God.
To those who have little, be it hope, possessions, or anything in this world, the message of God’s kingdom is good news. But to Herod and his allies or the rich young ruler who was deeply entrenched in the system of this world, Jesus was a painful threat. With its power, the idea of “Rome” can easily invade the hearts of those who live in luxury. This is why we must guard our hearts by completely selling out to the King of kings. If our treasures are earthly, the thought of His return can be painful. If our treasures are heavenly, we will gladly work His fields on earth and rejoice at the thought of His return. Let us be wise and lay our earthly treasures at His feet, that we might greatly rejoice at the very thought of His return!
