Day 16: Disturbed at the News of the Birth of Jesus

I am preparing for the celebration of Christmas this Advent through the Journey to Bethlehem, a free online Advent guide from Scripture Union USA. It is a 26 day journey ending on Christmas Day.

Day 16 of the Journey to Bethlehem is titled The Magi’s Search.

Read Matthew 2:1–6 | (ESV)

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.(Matthew 2:1-3)

I see easily why Herod was disturbed and troubled at the news of the birth of a new King. I could see how a king who brutally ruled over the Jews would feel threatened by a new King. But it also says that everyone in Jerusalem was disturbed and troubled too. What?

You mean everyone living in Jerusalem, even those who had been unfairly brutalized by Herod the King were disturbed by the possibility of a new king? The Bible doesn't say, but the more I think about it, the more I can understand from several different angles. Fear of the unknown. Fear of Kings. Fear of the gentile strangers bringing the news. Fear of God. Fear of the ultimate judgment.

Without knowing Christ, and thus really knowing the one true God. Knowing his sacrifice, his love for us, for me, I would be disturbed with the idea that God was coming today to this earth as an earthly ruler.

Lord, thank you for coming and showing me your ultimate love, grace, and mercy in Christ that washes away my sin and fear so I can be in your presence.

P.S. Here is a link to the previous days of my Journey to Bethlehem.