Sermons on Herods Headache:

Christ Is Christmas

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Dec 22, 2008

Points out that this time of year is a celebration of the birth of Christ. And that we should treat December 25th as we would any other persons’ birthday. It causes us to reflect on the heart of Herod and ours during this time of year.

Christ is Christmas Matthew 2:1-12 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Epiphany Of Our Lord

Contributed by Charles Scott on Jan 19, 2008

The Magi heard the Word of God from the mouth of the most wicked man in the kingdom, Herod; never the less, the Holy Spirit used that word to establish faith in them moving them to continue their journey to worship the one, true king.

The Epiphany of our Lord Matthew 2__1-12 Sun, Jan 6, 2008 First: Is. 60:1-6 Epistle: Eph. 3:1-12 Gospel: Matt. 2:1-12 Psalm: Psalm 72:1-11 (12-15) There is a story that I heard so long ago that I can’t remember who first told it. I strongly suspect that it is not a true story, but I don’t ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Anglican

The Song Of Simeon: The Cradle And The Cross

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 23, 2019

A sermon built on "God's resolutions" and promises. The holy family keep the Jewish rules for purification. Visited the temple. Simeon for tells the future. Herod seeks to dismantle God's resolutions and fails.

In Jesus Holy Name December 29, 2019 Luke 2:25-32 Christmas I “The Song of Simeon: The Cradle & The Cross” Well, here we are almost at the then end of another year. Do I still say “Merry Christmas” or do I greet you with “Happy New Year”? Liturgically we are still in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-45, Luke 2:21-24

Denomination: Lutheran

Truth Or Consequences For Truth Tellers

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jul 13, 2018

When John told the truth against political power (Herod) there were consequences. The same was true for Jesus, his followers. The 'values" of the world does not always appreciate the "truth" God offers in Jesus, "the way, the truth, and the life."

In Jesus Holy Name July 15, 2018 Text: Mark 6:14 ff & Luke 3:19-20 Pentecost VIII Redeemer “Truth or Consequences” Truth or Consequences was the long-running wild & wacky game show (1941 on the radio) 1951-1988 off and on with different game hosts). ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-22, Luke 3:19-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Epiphany O Godhead Hid

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Jan 1, 2018

The Wise Men seek the child Jesus and travel a long way from the East following a star, they even have to seek advice from King Herod to find Him. Its a little like a children's game of Hide and Seek.

O GODHEAD HID. MATT. 2:1-12. One of the most popular games among children has to be hide-and-seek - the rules are very simple. One child closes their eyes and counts to a hundred, while all the others hide - "Are you ready? Here I come." And one by one they are sought out from their hiding places ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

What Do We Stand For?

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Jul 8, 2021

Focussing on the actions of Herod, we see that no one stood up to tell him he was doing wrong, and how well this speaks to us now when we stay silent, when we should really be speaking up.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. “Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.” A saying often mistakenly attributed to Shakespeare, but in fact was first published by Sir Walter Scott in the poem, “Marmion” in 1808. A phrase which speaks of betrayal, and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Anglican

"Is Jesus The True Messiah?”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 9, 2021

A fair question for John to ask. Which Christmas cartoon will tell the true meaning of Christmas? Only Peanuts. John was no shy wallflower. He called people and Herod to repent. Quotes from Rev. Klaus; & The High Calling

In Jesus Holy Name December 12, 2021 Text: Luke 7: 21,18,19 Redeemer “Is Jesus the True Messiah?” Is Jesus the True Messiah? It is a fair question that John had to ask. With Christmas is just around the corner, people should be asking a similar question: “Is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:17-21, Colossians 2:14

Denomination: Lutheran

Who Do You Follow? Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 20, 2014

The contrast of Herod killing John the Baptist to Jesus feeding 5000 in Mark 6 is very revealing of the life of sin vs. a life of service. We must be totally devoted to Christ to live for Him, and cannot live like He is a convenience.

Who do you follow? Mark 6:14-44 Introduction - Jesus is demonstrated in this book as a “servant” -- Key verse: Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - For us to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Our Refuge And Strength Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Dec 26, 2021

This is a sermon for Epiphany Sunday. I've linked Psalm 46 with the hymn "We Three Kings" as a way of reminding ourselves who this child/King is why He is worthy of any all the gifts we have to give Him.

Samuel could tell by the look on their faces that the elders weren’t making a social call to inquire about his health … and he was right. One of the elders cleared his throat. “Samuel … you are getting old and, well, no offense but we’re more than a little concerned about the future of our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11, Micah 5:2, 1 Samuel 8:7, 1 Samuel 8:11-18, Matthew 2:12, Exodus 30:34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

The Most Expensive Meal In History Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 22, 2012

Adam and Eve ate one of the most expensive meals in history. Why did they do it? And was there a more expensive meal than that one?

OPEN: A few years back George Beane of Palmdale, California, stopped at a local Burger King and ordered 4 sandwiches at the drive-through window. Total cost of his bill: $4.33. However, when he handed the girl at the drive up window his debit card she absent mindedly punched in the numbers ... and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Lost His Head?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Dec 18, 2008

When we lose our ways emotionally or spiritually, we hurt ourselves and others. Herod, Herodias and Salome demonstrate the ways we can be seduced into losing our heads. John only lost his physical head but not his integrity.

Do you know the poem, "If’, by Rudyard Kipling? I’m sure you’ve heard it a hundred times. But let me quote just a part of "If’. "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you; if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

Rachel's Sorrow

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 6, 2016

However crafty, however ruthless Herod might have been, he could be no more successful than his evil superior Satan. The Redeemer would come just as was planned, would live just as planned, and would die just as planned.

Matthew 2:13-18 Rachel’s Sorrow 12/15/02 D. Marion Clark Introduction I do like our Live Nativity we put on at our church. We show the manger scene; we have a full inn, a market square retail booth, angels singing to shepherds, and a tax collector at his booth. We even have the three ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Christmas Contrasts

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 13, 2001

Every year at Christmas time this great line is drawn. Here are people who are like shepherds & wise men coming to Jesus to worship Him. And there are others like Herod who stand hard & cold, resisting all that God is trying to do in their lives.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX ILL. It is a time of great rejoicing in the palace, for a prince has just been born. Near the throne there is a lively discussion going on as the king’s advisers are making their suggestions concerning the best ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:7-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Receiving The Promise Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 24, 2018

I pray by the time we’re done today, every heart here will prepare Him room and receive the King of Christmas.

Receiving the Promise Luke 2:1-28 Rev. Brian Bill December 24, 2018 Joy to the World Written over 300 years ago, “Joy to the World” is now the most published Christmas hymn in North America. I love these words: Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room I pray by the time ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

A Christmas Peace Worth Waiting For Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Nov 8, 2021

There are “Bethlehems” in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Georgia, and even Texas. In fact, I located twenty-eight towns named Bethlehem around the globe and in the United States. They have streets named Manger Avenue and Shepherd Street. But Bethlehem hasn’t always been so prominent.

Merry Christmas to you all. I look forward to seeing a lot of our church family during tonight’s three Christmas Eve services. Take a Bible and find Micah 5 (page 989 in pew Bible) and Matthew 2. You could call our series Christmas in the Old Testament. Centuries before Mary and Joseph, the Wise ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-6, Micah 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist