Two Kings

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Hagerstown, MD, USA

www.mycrossway.org

View this and other messages at: https://mycrossway.churchcenter.com/channels/8118

We just heard from our children the story of the Maggi who traveled great distances to give honor worship to Jesus, the King of Israel. Along the way, they encounter Herod, who was named King over Israel.

The Maggi faced two kings: one of the world, one from Heaven, and they chose to worship Jesus. We have the same choice today. Which king will we bow down to, the kings of this world or the King of Kings?

With that, I thought it would be worth comparing these two kings:

1. Different Motivations

Herod was self-centered and wanted everyone to know how great he was as king. He feared the loss of his power and would stop at no evil to preserve his power. When he learned of the birth of Jesus he ordered every male child under 2 to be killed

“Thus says the Lord: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children because they are no more.” (Jeremiah 31:15)

Jesus, the Messiah, and King of the Universe sought first to do the will of his Father in heaven; to please, honor, and glorify him. Jesus also came to bring people abundant life. He laid his own life down so that we could live.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” ( John 10:10)

2. Different Origins

Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4), while Herod was born in Edom (Acts 12:18). Jesus’ birth was foretold by the prophets of God. Herod emerged from a land that was enemies with God’s people (Genesis 36:1-3)

Jesus the Messiah was sinless and eternally existed (John 8:58); Herod is a godless man who received power from a godless government. He was a cruel tyrant who wanted to control people. (Acts 12:19-23; Josephus, Ant. 19.8.2 §§343-52). Herod's earthly power was awesome but stored no treasures in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus had none of the power the world could give (John 18:36), but his power in heaven was beyond comprehension (Col 1:16, Matt 28:18). Jesus is eternal; Herod died a miserable death. (Matt 2:19-20)

Jesus gave his life and ministry as a sacrifice so that the world would know God, but Herod's life revolved around sacrificing others in order to bring glory and honor to himself. Jesus and Herod were opposites in every way; morally, culturally, spiritually, and especially in terms of their worldly status.

3. Different Legacies

Ultimately, Herod's glory and strength were forgotten. Few people remember the accomplishments of this proud king. Rather, he is remembered as a paranoid tyrant the man who killed children in Bethlehem in an effort to save his power.

Jesus' legacy continues to impact millions of people throughout the world. Even non-Christians have heard about his life and death. Today, his followers still study his words and seek to follow the humble example of his life.

4. Different Kingdoms

God sent to this world two kings who couldn't have been more different. Herod served the kingdom of this world. He was self-serving and emulated sin, death, oppression, under demonic power. Jesus came as the King of Heaven who loved sacrificially and confronted sin, death, hunger, and demons, to the point that he laid down his life that we could overcome the evil of the powers of this world.

No matter how overwhelming and undefeatable a person or situation may seem, God's power is stronger. And what is done for God's kingdom has lasting value, as opposed to fleeting earthly honors we seek for ourselves. The contrast between Herod and Jesus reminds us that we are to follow God's ways rather than the world's ways.

5. Different Responses

The Maggi chose to worship Jesus. They offered nothing to Herod and everything to Jesus. These were gentile astrologers who took the time to search the Scriptures, observe the sign of the times, and seek out the King. They found Him.

The Bible tells us they offered Jesus 3 gifts. Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh. (Matthew 2:11) and that they sought to worship him (Matthew 2:2). Frankincense was used for worship, consecration, and honor. Gold represented wealth, a gift fit for a king, and it was used to line the walls of the Holy of Holies in the temple. Myrrh was derived from the sap of a tree and it was produced by immense pressure and refining. It was loved for its perfume qualities and was also used to anoint the dead.

A little boy wanted to see the circus that was coming to town. His dad gave him the money to go. There in town, he got his first glimpse of the parade. There were elephants, lions and tigers, acrobats, and marching bands. At the end of the parade were the clowns.