Troubled At His Appearing And Presence?

Mat 2:1-6 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, 2 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. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Herod was troubled at the news that the Christ was born the King of the Jews. He could not bear to hear that there was someone other than him to rule. He kept his throne by violence and any other who appeared to be a rival was to be eliminated.

All Jerusalem was troubled as well! WHY?

Have you noticed how the people who were seeking the Christ were foreigners and not His own people the Jews? He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:11

Is it surprising to you that no one is recorded as accompanying or following the wise to seek this King of the Jews? Where was the interest? Where was the curiosity? Where were the scribes and priests who gave the information concerning the advent of this, according to Micah who they quoted, person that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Mic 5:2

It appears that they were more concerned with the intrigues of politics and position in life so the news of the appearance of a potential Leader and King who may well disturb the status quo was troubling indeed.

It is somewhat puzzling that the people who should have been the first to live in expectation were disturbed at the news.

Herod was a foreigner (an Edomite) reigning as king in Jerusalem. He had his loyal following and as a usurper with no credentials, who had no right ruling, he would be disturbed at the news of competition. But why all Jerusalem with him?

Possible reasons

1. Fearful to show joy and gladness knowing Herod's jealous temperament and suspicions

2. Dismayed at a possible righteous interference with their vices and wickedness

3. Fearful of an uprising and therefore swift retaliation from Rome.

He revealed Himself to foreigners and lowly shepherds.

Evil hates good and sin becomes uncomfortable in the presence of righteousness.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:19

Because evil is uncomfortable it resorts to various devices to mask or eradicate the discomfort. This is the reason the ungodly and unrighteous hate the righteous and seek to ridicule, humiliate and destroy them. It is the reason that vicious, vile and vituperative attacks are made in various media and in physical acts of violence against the righteous. It is the reason why conservatives are hated so much by liberals. Many are contented to live in the squalor of sin and unrighteousness and are stirred to violent action when their hypocrisy and evil is revealed for what it really is. Who are the people that constantly coin politically correct phrases? Who are the ones that make all excuses for sin, coining such terms as alternative life styles, protest against ALL forms of CHRISTIAN public demonstration and exhibits? Who are those that lower standards so that the failure will not feel badly about failing?

John 15:20-24 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

What would be your reaction if Jesus should appear to you now?

1. PEOPLE BECOME TROUBLED AT HIS APPEARING BECAUSE HIS PRESENCE REVEALS SIN