Title: “A Tale of Two Kings” Script: Mt. 2:1-12
Type: Christmas Where: GNBC 12-15-24
Intro: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is one of a handful of perennial favorites to watch during the holiday season. We all have our favorite parts in the show, I know mine is when Max, the Grinch’s dog is, with one antler tied to his forehead, struggling to pull the toy-laden sleigh up the mountainside! Why is “The Grinch” so appealing during a season that so many pleasant movies to watch? Possibly it’s because, in the vein of A Christmas Carol by Dickens, The Grinch…prominently displays the power of conversion that comes through the Christmas story. Also, I suspect that at least partial in its appeal is that there is a little bit of “The Grinch” in each one of us! There was a “Grinch” in the 1st Christmas story. He was a king. In fact, there were 2 kings in the first Christmas story.
Prop: Follow in Mt. 2 as we read the tale of two Kings centered around Christmas.
BG: 1. The original “Grinch” who tried to not simply steal, but kill Christmas, was King Herod.
2. The paths of these two men, Herod, and the Christ Child, Jesus, would converge in a tale of Two Kings. The one king epitomizes the worst humanity has to offer. The other, the best that God has to offer. We see a conflict between two kings, two worlds, two systems. 3. Today still have a choice. Which “king” will you follow?
Prop: Follow in Mt. 2 as see conflict between two Kings: One Who brought Christmas and the one who attempted to kill Christmas.
I. Let’s Take a Look at this Man Who Tried to Kill Christmas.
Long before the Grinch and Scrooge there was Herod!
A. King Herod was the man who attempted to kill Christmas.
1. The original Christmas Highlighted the Conflict between Kingdoms.
a. Illus: I want to remind us this morning that there was a conflict between the birth of the Savior and a man who hated Christmas even more than Scrooge and the Grinch combined. In fact, he attempted to kill Christmas. It’s a strange and bizarre story that doesn’t fit in so nicely amid the well wishes, carol and cards, tinsel and trees, and bright lights which mark the season.
b. v. 1 we notice the conflict is coming as the announcement of Jesus’ birth is directly tied to the reign of King Herod. Sometimes we almost forget that the coming of Christ, the birth of the Babe in the manger was a real and historical event that took place in space and time and was tied directly to the political events of the day. Herod was no “make believe” character. He was real. He was powerful. He was dangerous. He was paranoid. He was angry. He hated Christmas and he had never even heard of the Holiday!
2. Herod “The Great”, was born into a politically well-connected family. At an early age it became evident to all that he was destined for a life of hardball power politics that make our politicians look like choir boys. At 25 yrs. of age he was made governor of Galilee, a position of power for one so young. The Romans were hoping he would control the Jews of that region, and in 40 BC, the Roman Senate named him “King of the Jews”. It was a title hated by the religious Jews since Herod was neither religious or Jewish. He was an Edomite and was hated by the Pharisees and Zealots.
B. Herod Had all the Classic Characteristics of a 1st Class Villain!
1. Herod had a Preoccupation with Power.
a. According to Machiavelli, (The Prince) the #1 goal of politics is to secure power. Some have described power as the ultimate human obsession. If that is the case, Herod was an addict. The Bible, more often than not, links “power” to something we call sin.
b. Herod’s use of power could be summed up in 3 words: he was capable, cunning, and cruel. Herod was undoubtedly capable. After becoming king he wiped out bands of guerrillas who were terrorizing the countryside. He also used subtle diplomacy to make peace amongst warring factions. Herod was also crafty. He arranged all of his relationships as conduits of power. His cunning knew no limits. As a result of his morbid distrust of anyone who might aspire to take his throne he was by nature and practice a cruel man. Over the years he killed many, including his brother-in-law, mother-in-law, 2 sons, and even a wife! He murdered out of spite and killed in order to keep his power. . A writer dubbed him the malevolent maniac! His cruelty grew in direct proportion to the power he possessed.
2. Herod Had a Preoccupation with Possessions. Very simply…Herod wanted it all! (Most Americans would love him!) He wanted everything Caesar had (only with a smaller budget!). Herod built 7 palaces and 7 theaters, one of which seated nearly 10,000 people! He built sports stadiums, the largest of which could seat more than 300,000 fans! (2.5 x the size of OSU or UM)
3. Herod Had a Preoccupation with Prestige. Herod was always concerned about making an impression on others. He built cities with state-of-the-art architecture and amenities and then would name them after his superiors! He was a smooth talker and sought out alliances that would honor him. Several of his 10 marriages were to gain prestige or power.
4. Herod Had a Preoccupation with Paranoia. Illust –Politicians, power, possessions, and paranoia seem to go hand in hand. Ever since an enemy poisoned Herod’s father, who was a king himself, Herod took great care to make sure no mystery ingredient ended up in his soup! Upon becoming king, built 10 emergency fortresses, armed and garrisoned. In addition to these precautions he had an elaborate and extensive spy network set up to sniff out and eliminate all dissidents.
C. Applic: Herod was a first-class criminal who attempted to eliminate Christmas because he saw Christ as competition.
II. Herod’s Status Quo was Compromised by the Coming of the True King.
A. Herod was confronted with the coming of a New King.
1. The News of the Birth of the Messiah met Herod near the end of his reign and life.
a. Illust: If you haven’t noticed all politicians love one thing more than all other things: The Status Quo! With them as the Status! -retain their power and keeping their power is the end all goal…more than ideology, goals, or concerns of others. Illust: Seen in recent election. At this point, Herod was willing to do anything to remain in power.
b. Magi or wise men come traveling from the east and being granted an interview with Herod, ask him the question: (read v. 9) This question must have shaken the old despot to his core. IN fact, we see his response in v. 3 (read). The word “troubled” (NASB) means “to shake violently”. Now these magi come with questions about a “King of the Jews”! Instant paranoia! No wonder the Bible says “all Jerusalem was troubled” as well. Maybe this speaks of the religious or political leaders…however, maybe it simply meant that the people were afraid of what this wacko would do next!
2. We need to Go Against the Pride of Status Quo and Allow Christ His rule and reign!
a. Illust: Remember the prophet Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar? God sent a warning to Nebuchadnezzar about his future. Then, patiently, God waited. God gave the King a full
year to repent and turn to Him. But Nebuchadnezzar did not turn from his pride. Nebuchadnezzar writes: “All of that happened to me. It took place twelve months later. I was walking on the roof of my palace in Babylon. I said, "Isn't this the great Babylon I have built as a place for my royal palace? I used my mighty power to build it. It shows how glorious my majesty is."-Daniel 4:28-30 See how many times the king talked about his own greatness. Before he had finished uttering these words, a voice spoke out of heaven. It said, “King Nebuchadnezzar...Your royal authority has been taken from you.” The mighty King was cast out of the palace. He lived out in the wilderness, he ate grass like the cows. His nails grew like the claws of a bird, and his hair was like the feathers of an eagle (Daniel 4:33). Imagine the state of him! Without God, Nebuchadnezzar could do NOTHING! Same w/us.
b. What sin causes you the most trouble? Anger, lust, lying, and greed (or, materialism). I might get a few entries for jealousy, hatred, gossip, and laziness. Maybe I’d get one or two for gluttony. But I wonder how many would list pride as the most difficult sin that they battle every day? It ought to be at the top of our lists, because it is the root of virtually every other sin. If you get angry, it’s because you want your way and you didn’t get your way. The truth is, you don’t like how God is dealing with you and you think you could do it better. Pride is at the root of such lust. In Mere Christianity C. S. Lewis refers to pride as “The Great Sin”. After mentioning that pride led to the devil’s downfall, he says, “Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.”
B. Herod sought to kill what he thought was the competition.
1. In the passing of time Herod attempts to find and destroy the Christ child.
a. Christ was born King and to be King. His salvation and His Kingdom apply even to present-world problems. But His kingship also has a future connotation. The sovereignty of Jesus Christ extends in an unbroken line throughout the ages. He will come again. The wise men of old inquired, “Where is He who has been born King?” (Matthew 2:2). Today wise people in these troubled times are also asking, “Where is He who has been born King?” The Bible says of Him: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He was King yesterday, He is King today & King tomorrow. Yesterday He was King of Redemption. He did not restrain the multitudes when they cried on Palm Sunday: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38). He did not answer negatively when Pilate asked: “Are You a king?” (John 18:37). He did not deny His kingship when Pilate turned Him over to the crowd, saying, “Behold your King!” (John 19:14). From His very birth Christ was recognized as King. Wise men brought Him gifts. Shepherds fell down and worshiped Him. And angels, knowing more than men that He was truly King, became celestial minstrels before His manger throne. Herod, however, sought His life.
b. We see the coming of the magi to worship Christ, (comes later than most assume) Two clues to this in our text. In v. 11 we see the words: “house” and “Child” used. House is oikia, which is a dwelling and not a manger or stable, as was the location of Christ’s birth. The word “Child” specifically refers to a “toddler” and not an infant. A few months have passed since the birth of Christ, and now, those who had flooded Bethlehem for the census have returned to their homes. Mary and Joseph have found suitable accommodation for the family. These wise men were looking for a little boy, living in a little house, in a little village, in a little country! With their gold, frankincense and myrrh they gave their gifts that were fitting of a king.
2. Read vv. 7-8. Herod attempts to manipulate the magi. He wants to know where the child, is not so he can worship but rather so he can eliminate! But he is the one who is duped. Herod’s response to being duped is a display of heinous cruelty. Being outwitted he responds with cruelty, sending forth soldiers to eradicate all the children Bethlehem 2yrs. of age and younger! With this order he becomes the “Butcher of Bethlehem”!
C. Applic: In The Return of the King – see that Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, is fearful of any news of a coming king, despises Aragorn…true king. Doesn’t want to share or surrender power!) Can’t Jesus does not “share” His throne. He didn’t share with Herod and won’t with you or me either.
III. Why Was there an Inevitable Clash Between these Two Kings?
A. Two Kings and Two Kingdoms Always lead to a Clash..
1. Rival kingdoms attempting to gain the same territory will ultimately clash.
a. Herod has been described as "a madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis",[9] "the evil genius of the Judean nation",[10] "prepared to commit any crime in order to gratify his unbounded ambition"[11] and "the greatest builder in Jewish history".[9] including his expansion of the Second Temple, the construction of the port at Caesarea Maritima, the fortress at Masada and Herodium. Although a carpenter, we don’t know of any building project Jesus was involved in, He never wrote a book, led an army, or founded a college. Unlike the usurper Herod, Jesus Christ was the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” Who would rule eternally on the throne of His father, David! (Is. 9:6-7). Absolutely opposed!
b. Herod represented Satan’s kingdom of this world. King Jesus came to establish His Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven. Those kingdoms remain in conflict to this very day. Warring. Maybe in your heart and soul this very minute!
2. Herod sought out this conflict.
*Illust: Rarely in the annals of history have a conflict between two kings been so seemingly stacked against one in favor of the other. Herod was that crafty, cruel, and capable dictator, filled with power, possessions, prestige, and paranoia. He had an arsenal of soldiers and firepower at his disposal. Little baby Jesus, he was being held safely and securely in the arms of his loving mother. The Bible says: “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Prov. 3:34); “God’s power is made perfect in weakness…” (II Cor. 12:9); The Bible says: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God!” (Ps. 20:7). Herod didn’t stand a chance!
B. Make Sure You Don’t Respond to the Kingship of Christ as Herod did.
1. The Question you and I must ask you: “Who is king of your life?”
a. We aren’t really all that different from Herod. You may protest in feigned shock, surprise, or anger. You might state that you haven’t killed your own family members or slaughtered scores of innocent children, but undoubtedly, you…and I… have wanted to be the uncontested ruler of our destinies.
b. There is a lot of “Herod” in each of us isn’t there? Herod’s life was an oxymoron. Rich in what most would consider valuable, he was a completely bankrupt individual who was addicted to power, possessions, prestige and filled with paranoia. His life came to ruin. In the last year he was so racked with disease and pain that he screamed throughout the night. If we are honest with ourselves, looking into the mirror of our soul we see a little Herod looking back at us. We need Christ.
2. Make sure you demonstrate a different type of faith then Herod did.
a. Mt. 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he. will hate the one, and love the other; or else. he will hold to the one, and despise the other, Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Some of us trying to serve two masters and wonder why faith isn’t as strong as should be. Are you “All in” with Christ or holding some back? If you think Herod’s system can give you peace, joy, forgiveness, FOLLOW him! If Christ can, FOLLOW HIM!
b. Illust: Past week Pres. Biden did a 180’ turn on repeated campaign pledge not to use presidential pardon for his son. The pardon was the most far-reaching offer of familial forgiveness ever offered by a chief executive. All federal crimes from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024 (When Biden was VP to when Pres.) Let me ask you, did Pres. Biden’s action “forgive” his son? In the eyes of US law, “exonerated”. IN the eyes of God? Still a sinner in need of Christ’s forgiveness. I find this an incredible illustration. Nearly 40% of US population polled, although disagreed with pardon, understood, because exonerating his son. Demonstrates how outrageously amazing love of God… Gave His own son. Sacrificed own son, who unlike HB, was innocent of ALL charges! So you and I could be forgiven in the eternal Kingdom of Christ.
C. Applic: Friend, Jesus came for a single purpose…to demonstrate to you and me God’s outrageous love! Herod wielded the power of hate and self-protection!
IV. How Do We Root out the Inevitable Influences of Herod in our Own Lives?
A. Accept into Your Life the True King of Christmas: King Jesus Christ!
1. We accept the True King when we give our lives to Jesus Christ.
a. Romans 12:1 (Read) When you and I give our entire lives over to Jesus Christ, we are worshipping God and thus driving a stake through the heart of Herod-like influence in our lives. Granted it’s not Herod’s influence. Rather, it is the influence of that which influenced Herod…sin!
b. Illust: Remember those 4 items that Herod struggle with that we all, too, outside of Christ, struggle with? Power, Possessions, Prestige, Paranoia? Power loses it’s grip when we humbly defer to the King of Kings. Possessions are not ours, they belong to God. We are simply managers of what He has given. Prestige has no pull because we are living to please God. Paranoia flies out the window because when God is for us we are completely unconcerned with who is against us!
2. Illust: Pastor Clifford S. Stewart of Louisville, Kentucky, sent his parents a microwave oven one Christmas. Here’s how he recalls the experience: “They were excited that now they, too, could be a part of the instant generation. When Dad unpacked the microwave and plugged it in, literally within seconds, the microwave transformed two smiles into frown! Even after reading the directions, they couldn’t make it work. Two days later, my mother was playing bridge with a friend and confessed her inability to get that microwave oven even to boil water. ‘To get this newfangled thing to work,’ she exclaimed, ‘I really don’t need better directions; I just needed my son to come along with the gift!’ “When God gave the gift of salvation, he didn’t send a booklet of complicated instructions for us to figure out; he sent his Son.
B. Reevaluate your life to Ensure You are Serving the True King of Christmas.
1. Over thirty years after His birth, the Savior once told His disciples how they could best honor Him. IN one of the most riveting and hard -hitting passages in all of Scripture, Jesus said in Mt. 25:40 “Whatever you did for one of the least of these…you did it unto me.”
2. Illust: Let’s go back to Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. On that fateful evening, the Grinch steels all of Whoville’s Christmas gifts. He anticipates how distressed they will be when they discover their Christmas is gone. But as he listens for crying sounds he is most surprised to hear merry singing instead. The Grinch soon discovers that maybe Christmas “means a little bit more than gifts”. Yes, it certainly does. God sent the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ so that you and I could be saved. Turn from living like the wicked King of Christmas and turn to the true King, the Lord Jesus!
2. C. Applic: Two Kings and two Kingdoms came into conflict that original Christmas. One kingdom and its king represents sin, self, and strife . The other King, King Jesus, was the Savior Who brought Salvation, Security, and Sanctification. Choose today which King you will follow.
