One True King

What a contrast between Herod the Great and Jesus the One True King. Herod was a madman who slaughtered the remnants of the previous dynasty and arbitrarily executed many of his officials. He murdered his wife, mother-in-law, and three of his sons. However, the most terrible act came the day he ordered all the babies two years and younger killed in Bethlehem. When Herod heard from the wise men that the King of the Jews had been born in Bethlehem and that this fulfilled the prophecy of Micah, he was troubled (Matt 2:3). He felt threatened by a baby. His egotistical and warped mind demanded that he remove that threat. No matter how many Herods try to remove God’s appointed King, Jesus, they will never be successful. David describes God’s reaction: The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Ps 2:4-6)

The Apostle Peter described Jesus in these words, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Pet 2:22-23). What a description of Jesus! Who could do that? Only the one true King!

There were mixed reactions to the newborn King. Herod was hostile, and the religious leaders were indifferent, but the wise men who came following a star worshipped him. We can respond to Jesus with indifference, hostility, or worship. Matthew writes this about their response, “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh” (Matt 2:11).

What an infamous scene. The One True King is born in a stable, a manager for a bed. His first guests are poor shepherds, and then a few months later, these strange astrologers arrive from the east. They followed a star from a faraway place and came bearing gifts; with those gifts, they worshiped the King.

We all have a choice to make. It may not be that first Christmas, but Christ is still born in every heart that accepts and worships him. Will you be indifferent or hostile, or worship him like the wise men did long ago and receive him as the true King?