The story of Jesus’ birth is a story of two kings, one big and the other small. Visiting Bethlehem this past summer made the contrast between them so real for Sheri and I. Matthew 2 tells the story this way:
In the days when Jesus was born, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem asking, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We have come to worship him. King Herod was disturbed by this and asked his wise men where the baby was to be born. They answered, “In Bethlehem.” Upon hearing this, Herod gave an order to make a search for the child. Later he ordered that all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under be killed.
The big king’s name was King Herod.
He was known as Herod the Great and the King of Judea (or the King of the Jews).
He was a descendant of Esau.
He was extremely ruthless. He killed his wife, mother-in-law, and three sons because he saw them as a threat to his reign.
He had incredible wealth. His wealth exceeded the combined wealth of the entire Roman Empire.
He built great cities and buildings. He built the great temple in Jerusalem.
His most famous palace was just outside of Bethlehem. It was called the Herodion.
The little king’s name was Jesus.
He was a descendant of Jacob.
He reigned by love. He brings life to those who trust him.
He was born in extreme poverty. Most likely in a cave. Among the manure, filth, and smell of animals.
He did not consider equality (greatness) with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing.
He was born in Bethlehem, in a stable.
Two kings. The one born in Bethlehem, in the shadow of the other’s palace. Who is the king? From all appearances it seems to be Herod. But Jesus is the real king. Only he was willing to die in the place of his people in order to forgive sin. The outcome of Herod’s and Jesus’ reigns tells the difference. Everything that Herod built lies in ruins, while Jesus has been exalted to God’s right hand and is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. His kingdom keeps expanding to this very day. The passion of the wise men was right on. “Where is the king of the Jews? We have come to worship him.”