Good morning Pastor John,
I am not sure if I understand the full meaning of Matthew 2:3: “But having heard of this, King Herod was troubled, and all of Jerusalem with him.”
Was Jerusalem troubled because a king was born and the leaders were afraid to lose their positions, or was it that Herod troubled them with his actions? I can see either or both. I would hope, anyway, if I was there and heard a prophesied king was born, I would rejoice and not be troubled. Not sure why this struck me today. But I think it may have been the beginning of Jesus’ troubles with the Jewish leaders.
Mark W.
PS Sorry this is so brief but I am listening to this while doing maintenance on infusion pumps and did not want to forget my question again.
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Hi Mark.
I am glad you are getting those infusion pumps fixed! Ha.
As for Matthew 2:3, we know why Herod was upset. He was an extremely, murderously paranoid king. Jerusalem was “troubled” only in the sense of being excited and mystified; a visit from foreigners wanting to find the king who had been born would have been an amazing event. Herod had not yet done anything concerning the birth of a king that would have troubled the Jews; his killing of the innocents around Bethlehem came later.
As for your comment about wondering how you would have done in that ancient situation, my father said there is a way you can tell: Ask yourself, what am I doing with Jesus now?
Thank you for the question. Hope this answers it.
Pastor John