King Of The Jews Series

Message

Matthew 2:2

Name Above All Names - King of the Jews

Through the Advent period we have been looking at the importance of the different names of Jesus. Specifically the different names that appear in the New Testament from before he was born to the time when He goes to Egypt.

The Word

Son of David

Son of Abraham

Son of the Most High

Jesus

Immanuel

Christ the Lord

They are names full of significance … power … relationship … hope … security.

Today we are going to look at a name that creates conflict.

We find the name in Matthew 2:1-12 (read)

So the situation is that the Magi have arrived in Jerusalem after a very long journey - which actually started in what we know as modern day Iran.

A star has risen which has indicated the birth of a special child … someone in the royal line.

What was it about the star that lead the Magi to conclude they needed to bring gifts and worship a baby in Judea … we don’t know.

How did this star move so it could be “followed”, and then stop … we don’t know.

In fact there is a lot about the situation we don’t know.

We think we know how many Magi there were.

Everyone sings the song “We three Kings”

But the text doesn’t actually say there were three.

There were three gifts.

But not necessarily three gift-givers.

But what we do know is that the Magi use a very specific name to describe the child they are looking for. King of the Jews

At first we might think, “Well that makes a lot of sense.”

The Magi have come to Judea … the traditional home and land of the Jews.

They know this because of the they know about the exiled Jews … and Daniel.

They know that the star is indicating the birth of royalty.

Male royalty is called a “king” … therefore they are looking for the “King of the Jews”.

It makes a lot of sense, but something very significant is going on here.

Verse 1 … this happened during the reign of KING Herod.

Verse 3 … KING Herod is disturbed by the news.

Why is Herod called King?

There is a Jewish Historian call Josephus who lived about 37-100AD.

One of the books he wrote is called “Jewish Wars”

I’m going to read some of it to you.

Antony (that is Mark Antony who is a general and politician and an ally of Julius Caesar) was moved to compassion at the change that had been made in Herod's affairs … on account of Herod's own virtue; so Antony resolved to make him king of the Jews (formerly Herod was known as tetrarch). … So he called the senate together … and gave a full account of the (situation as to why) … Herod should be king; so the (senate) all gave their votes for it.

Josephus Jewish Wars 14:4

Later we also read

Herod spoke to Caeser

"O Caesar, as I was made king of the Jews by Antony, so do I profess that I have used my royal authority in the best manner, and entirely for Antony’s advantage

I have laid aside my diadem (crown), and have come to you, having my hopes of safety in your virtue; and I desire that you will first consider how faithful a friend, I have been."

Caesar replied

“I will confirm the kingdom to you by decree,” and Caesar … put the diadem again about his head.

It also the opinion, both of Caesar and of his soldiers, that Herod's kingdom was too small so Caesar gave him … Gadara, Hippos, and Samaria; and moreover, of the maritime cities, Gaza, Anthedon, Joppa, and Strato's Tower.

Josephus Jewish Wars 20:1-3

When you read this bit of history you start to get a bit of a sense of what the politics of the situation. The protocol of the time should have resulted in the story reading as follows:-

The Magi came from the East to Jerusalem.

Upon meeting Herod they bowed down and worshipped and gave their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

We have found you “King of the Jews” we saw your star rise.

Herod was overjoyed with the acknowledgement, and all Jerusalem celebrated - for when Herod was happy no one needed to be afraid.

Giving someone else the title “King of the Jews” was a dangerous move.

It was a title that created conflict.

In fact the only people who used the title to describe Jesus are Gentiles.

The Magi use this title … they are Gentiles.

During his … so called … trial, Pilate says “Are you the king of the Jews?”. Pilate is Gentile.

When the Roman soldiers had finished beating him they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!”. They are Gentiles.