July 26, 2025 • 16 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! The magi arrive at the palace of King Herod, looking for the King of the Jews. Herod welcomes them with false-humility, smiling through his gritted teeth. Something isn’t right.
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As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.
They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can't
inherit God's kingdom, neither does the perishable inherit imperishable First
Corinthians fifteen fifty. Dear Lord, your kingdom is eternal, everlasting,
and imperishable. We recognize that we are unable to obtain
(00:21):
heaven on our own. It is only through faith in you,
Lord Jesus, that we can access eternal life. In light
of these things, we pray that you would set our
mind on your kingdom. Since we have inherited eternal life
in you, may we set our minds solely on eternal things.
(00:44):
May the Kingdom, glory and righteous word be ever present
in our thoughts. May your throne rest on the forefront
of our minds, guiding us in all we do. When
we stumble and dwell on the cornal things of this world,
would you redirect our thoughts and illuminate our paths. We
(01:08):
trust you to do all these things and more in Jesus' name. Amen,
Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned now
for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
The shepherds stood and bowed their heads to Mary and Joseph.
They exited the stable, stealing one final glance at the child.
Before they left, the sun began to rise over the hills,
painting the sky with hues of gold and pink. Their
hearts were filled with an overflowing.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Well of joy.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Their contemplative walk slowly turned into a dance of praise
and worship. Soon enough, the shepherds were shouting through the streets,
their voices raised in worship and faces glowing with a
light that drew curious onlookers. Some shook their heads, thinking
the shepherds were crazy, drunk, or both. But the shepherds,
undeterred by scorn, proclaimed that the Messiah had been born
(02:14):
and they had been privileged to see him. Word began
to spread like ripples in a pond, the whispers growing
in strength and conviction. The shepherd's testimony, although unlikely, rekindled
hope and a few who heard it. If the Messiah
had truly been born, then hope for Israel was alive.
The testimony reached the ears of some of the servants
(02:36):
of Herod, the land's ruler. Their faces paled, their hearts
pounding with fear and hope. They did not tell Herod
choosing instead to hold silent, their minds filled with dreams
of redemption from the oppression of Rome. Once weighed down
by sorrow and suffering, the land seemed to awaken to
a new possibility. The whispers grew into a chorus of voices,
(02:59):
a community united by faith and longing. In that humble stable,
a child had been born, a king who would change
the world.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Stories of
the Messiah podcast. I'm your host, Rabbi Schneider from Discovering
the Jewish Jesus. Together we have been exploring the Nativity story.
Through these dramatic stories, We've placed ourselves in the shoes
of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. Today we
meet a new character, Herod. King Herod maintained a continuous
(03:33):
vigilance to ward off any dangers to his throne, with
his fears often extending to those within his own family.
He was responsible for the deaths of numerous relatives, fearing
their betrayal. Though Herod sought to gain the favor of
the Jewish population over whom he ruled, he himself was
not a Jew, but Anomite. Rome acknowledged him as a
(03:55):
subservient king in charge of Judea. Despite their entire hence
dislike for him, the Jews also respected Herod, primarily due
to his architectural achievements, including the significant enhancements he made
to the Second Temple. Harod's reign was marked by brutal
and aggressive actions. Immediately upon ascending to the throne, he
(04:16):
eradicated the Sanhedrin. He executed three hundred court officials. He
also killed his wife, Miryam and her mother Alexandria. He
killed his eldest son Antipater, and two other sons, Alexander
and Aristobulus. His rule was a chilling air of violence
and fear, reflecting the dark aspects of his character. The
(04:40):
Magi are also about to enter Harrod's palace. If you've
read the Gospel of Matthew, you'll know that news of
Jas's birth will cause Herod to commit unimaginable cruelties. Let's
dive into the story. Afterward. We will unpack themes of
what it truly means to be a king and how
Herod has contrasted with the the true king of the Jews, Jesus.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
The caravan moved through the desert like a river, cutting
through canyons. Caspar, Melchior, and Balshazzar were at the head
of the caravan. Guided by the star, they moved from
endless sand dunes to rugged mountains in dense forests. The
path was arduous, and the journey taxed even the most
(05:24):
robust of their company. As they journeyed west, they began
to witness the heavy hand of the Roman Empire. Once
teeming with vibrant and simple life, remote villages lay in ruin,
their inhabitants, either subjugated or fleeing from Roman wrath. Caesar
had no need for poor villages that couldn't contribute to
the empire. As the magi walked through the broken down villages,
(05:48):
they realized just how heavy the iron grip of Rome was.
Caspar was a man of riches and nobility, some even
referred to him as Solomon Reborn. But as he looked
upon a begging family on the side of the road,
his heart broke stop, Caspar said with a raspy voice.
(06:08):
His camel knelt down and he dismounted. He approached the
family with a quivering lip.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
HE will not replace what you have lost, but I
hope it blesses you.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
He handed them a leather bag of expensive spices to
sell and a cloth wrapped around a large piece of silver.
The father received it and hailed it for a while
in his hand. Hope, he said, with a jaded and
weathered tone. Hope is a distant memory. Behind Caspar's long
white beard, there was a compassionate smile. He walked back
(06:40):
to his camel and mounted it. Before proceeding, he glanced
back at him and.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Said, perhaps hope is closer than you think.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
With those words, the caravan continued through the winding Judaean countryside.
Nature was alive with new life. The wind carried the
scent of freshly budding wild flowers, and fawns pranced through
the grassy valleys. As they neared Judea, the anticipation grew.
They felt a pole, a magnetic force that guided their
(07:09):
every step. The star had led them to Judea, but
the exact location of the Messiah was still unknown to them.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
Tell me, Melchior, Kaspers said, where would a Judaean king
be born?
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Melchia pointed to a city glimmering in the distance, Jerusalem.
He said, the city of David and home to the temple.
No doubt the city will be alive. With celebration, the
caravan entered the city with pomp. They were hardly inconspicuous,
with their camels adorned with purple and chests of gold following.
Speaker 5 (07:41):
Them on carts.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
The rest of their caravan waited outside the city gates
to replenish camels and restock on supplies. But the three
wise men pressed forward, seeking out the palace of Herod,
the tetrach of Judea. His palace loomed over the bustling
market place, imposing and cold, symbolizing power in dominance. Herod
was indeed a master of deceit, cunning as a desert fox.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
His mind was a.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
Labyrinth of political intrigue and deception, honed sharp enough to
cut through the Gaudian knot of political power that entrapped
many rulers. He had an insatiable thirst for dominance, a
desire that drove him to impose crippling taxes upon the
very people he ruled. Even Caesar Augustus, the Master of Rome,
(08:28):
quipped that it was safer to be Herod's swine in
his offspring, For Herod was notorious for slaying any of
his children that proved to threaten his power. Word of
the Magi's arrival, however, presented an opportunity for Herod. To him,
it was a chance to acquire more favour from rich men.
He ordered his servants to prepare a feast worthy of emperors.
(08:51):
He laid a bounty of food at the table and
surrounded them with music, wine, and dancers. To the Magi,
men of refinement and culture, such a reception was not uncommon. However,
something was disquieting about the feast. Balshazzar, in particular, had
his guard up. Herod entered the great halls and stretched
(09:13):
out his arm.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
My lords, to what do I owe this pleasure?
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Herod asked, his voice dripping with feigned graciousness.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
We seek the nupon King of the Jews.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
They replied with a bow. The Messiah Star has guided
us here, and we intend to honor him with our
tributes and adoration. A shiver ran down Herod's spine at
their words. Rumors had reached his ears, whispers of a
child born to be king. But Herod was king, and
no infant would unravel what he had spent decades making.
(09:49):
Concealing his inner disgust, he took a measured sip of
wine ah, yes, he said, with a false grin.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
I have heard rumors of such a child being born.
My servants think I do not hear their whispers in
the halls. But such news is worth celebrating, is it not.
Herod's servants stepped back in fear. The proclamations of the
shepherds had reached some of them, but they had purposely
hidden it from Herod. Balshazzarskedaad it Herod, carefully.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Do you know where he is?
Speaker 5 (10:21):
Although I have heard rumors, no news has reached my throne.
But if it is the prophesied Messiah you are looking for,
the priests and scribes may be able to be of
some aide.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Herod's summons Some of the temple priests and scribes, They
too were disturbed to hear the news. Tell us priests,
Herod said, where is the prophesied child to be found?
The priests spoke among themselves for a moment, then replied,
m Bethlehem, my Lord, the birthplace of David. For the
(10:57):
prophecies declare us and you, oh Bethlehem, in the land
of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers
of Judah. For from you shall come a ruler who
will shepherd my people Israel. Herod's smile was a serpent's
(11:18):
grin as he raised his glass to the wise men.
Speaker 5 (11:21):
Then perhaps the rumors hold true, my lords, A new
king may indeed grace our land glory to God.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
But his eyes were stormy, seas churning with rage and fear.
Speaker 5 (11:36):
Should you find the child, do return and tell me
so that I too may pay my resperts.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
The magi thanked Harod and departed. Herod watched them leave,
his smile changing into a snarl as the door closed
behind them.
Speaker 5 (11:52):
Messiah or Lot.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
He hissed in a venomous whisper.
Speaker 5 (11:57):
No one will desthrone me.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
His eyes blazed with malevolence that recalled the cruelty of
Pharaoh long ago. With a cry of fury, he hurled
his it up against the wall and summoned his gods.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
Slay every boy under two, show no mercy to those
who defy me.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
He slumped back into his throne, his thoughts a whirlwind
of paranoia, and infant shall not undo me. He vowed
the words a dark oath. The palace seemed to shudder
at his command, a foreboding silence descending as Herod's madness
spiraled further into the darkness, a void of which there
(12:38):
could be no return.
Speaker 4 (12:41):
This story, inspired by Matthew two, is a tale that
paints a picture of the bleak circumstances in which Jesus
was born. The boot of Rome was very heavy on Israel,
and those who weren't contributing to the empire were cast
aside and forgotten. The appearance of the wise Men from
the East heralded a fresh sense of hope that transcended
(13:02):
the earthly suffering scene in the poverty stricken villages. The
sight of Caspar's compassion for the broken family by the
roadside provides a vivid example of this newfound hope, illustrating
how the birth of Jesus inspires us to reach out
to those in need. Indeed, Jesus's coming is a sign
that hope is closer than it seems in our lives.
(13:24):
We may face hopeless situations, yet the story of Jas's
birth reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, hope
is alive and can be found in him. The Journey
of the Magi paints a grim picture of the Roman
Empire's cruel dominion villages lay in ruin, and the impoverish
were subjected to the empire's iron grip. But in this devastation,
(13:48):
the Magi were led by a star to the place
where the true king was born. The Kingdom of God
is unlike any earthly kingdom. While Caesar's rule brought destruction
and subjugation, Jesus's kingdom brought restoration, grace, and justice. The
birth of Christ inaugurated a new error where the marginalized
and oppressed could find refuge and dignity. The Kingdom of
(14:12):
God is not built on power and dominion, but love, mercy,
and grace. Here does a personification of the greed, corruption,
and evil Israel was oppressed to during that time. Under
that politician's smile was a man consumed with bitterness and jealousy.
Hero's response to the birth of Jesus reveals the depths
(14:34):
of which jealousy and fear can drive a person. Though
he initially fiend interest in worshiping the new born king,
his true intentions were soon laid bare. Driven by a
relentless desire to protect his power, he issued a horrifying
command to slay every boy under the age of two
in Bethlehem. This sobering account reminds us of the destructive
(14:57):
nature of jealousy. Jealousy can blind us to reason and
lead us to unspeakable cruelty. It is a stark warning
to guard our hearts against envy and to see contentment
in what God has given us. Herod's rule is marked
by betrayal and violence, founded in fear and oppression. But
(15:18):
the birth of Jesus Herod the new kind of king
who rules with love, compassion, and righteousness. Unlike Herod, whose
rule was threatened by a mere infant, Jesus's kingship is unshakable.
In our present age, it's tempting to put our trust
in political leaders or ideologies, hoping they will bring about
(15:39):
the change we desire, But the story of Herod reminds
us that earthly rulers are fallible and often driven by
self interest. Jesus, on the other hand, is a king
who reigns with perfect justice and love. In him alone
we find solid and eternal hope. Above all, This passage
(15:59):
on scores the incomparable kingship of Jesus and a world
fraught with uncertainty, He remains the unchanging and faithful start
of follow May this Christmas season rekindle in us a
fresh sense of wonder at the birth of our Savior
and renew our commitment to live as citizens of His kingdom.
Join us for our next episode. The mag I will
(16:22):
finally behold the King they've been waiting for. The gifts
they give will provide us with deep theological insight into
the nature of Jesus. If you've enjoyed this podcast, consider
sharing it with a friend.
Speaker 5 (16:35):
We want the.
Speaker 4 (16:35):
Story of Jesus to change lives. If you're interested in
my ministry, you can visit Discovering the Jewish Jesus dot
com or check out my book Messianic Prophecy Revealed Discovering
Messiah in the Pages of the Hebrew Bible. For more
engaging and transformative Biblical stories, download Theprey dot com app.
Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can't
inherit God's kingdom, neither does the perishable inherit imperishable First
Corinthians fifteen fifty. Dear Lord, your kingdom is eternal, everlasting,
and imperishable. We recognize that we are unable to obtain
(00:21):
heaven on our own. It is only through faith in you,
Lord Jesus, that we can access eternal life. In light
of these things, we pray that you would set our
mind on your kingdom. Since we have inherited eternal life
in you, may we set our minds solely on eternal things.
(00:44):
May the Kingdom, glory and righteous word be ever present
in our thoughts. May your throne rest on the forefront
of our minds, guiding us in all we do. When
we stumble and dwell on the cornal things of this world,
would you redirect our thoughts and illuminate our paths. We
(01:08):
trust you to do all these things and more in Jesus' name. Amen,
Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned now
for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
The shepherds stood and bowed their heads to Mary and Joseph.
They exited the stable, stealing one final glance at the child.
Before they left, the sun began to rise over the hills,
painting the sky with hues of gold and pink. Their
hearts were filled with an overflowing.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Well of joy.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Their contemplative walk slowly turned into a dance of praise
and worship. Soon enough, the shepherds were shouting through the streets,
their voices raised in worship and faces glowing with a
light that drew curious onlookers. Some shook their heads, thinking
the shepherds were crazy, drunk, or both. But the shepherds,
undeterred by scorn, proclaimed that the Messiah had been born
(02:14):
and they had been privileged to see him. Word began
to spread like ripples in a pond, the whispers growing
in strength and conviction. The shepherd's testimony, although unlikely, rekindled
hope and a few who heard it. If the Messiah
had truly been born, then hope for Israel was alive.
The testimony reached the ears of some of the servants
(02:36):
of Herod, the land's ruler. Their faces paled, their hearts
pounding with fear and hope. They did not tell Herod
choosing instead to hold silent, their minds filled with dreams
of redemption from the oppression of Rome. Once weighed down
by sorrow and suffering, the land seemed to awaken to
a new possibility. The whispers grew into a chorus of voices,
(02:59):
a community united by faith and longing. In that humble stable,
a child had been born, a king who would change
the world.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Stories of
the Messiah podcast. I'm your host, Rabbi Schneider from Discovering
the Jewish Jesus. Together we have been exploring the Nativity story.
Through these dramatic stories, We've placed ourselves in the shoes
of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. Today we
meet a new character, Herod. King Herod maintained a continuous
(03:33):
vigilance to ward off any dangers to his throne, with
his fears often extending to those within his own family.
He was responsible for the deaths of numerous relatives, fearing
their betrayal. Though Herod sought to gain the favor of
the Jewish population over whom he ruled, he himself was
not a Jew, but Anomite. Rome acknowledged him as a
(03:55):
subservient king in charge of Judea. Despite their entire hence
dislike for him, the Jews also respected Herod, primarily due
to his architectural achievements, including the significant enhancements he made
to the Second Temple. Harod's reign was marked by brutal
and aggressive actions. Immediately upon ascending to the throne, he
(04:16):
eradicated the Sanhedrin. He executed three hundred court officials. He
also killed his wife, Miryam and her mother Alexandria. He
killed his eldest son Antipater, and two other sons, Alexander
and Aristobulus. His rule was a chilling air of violence
and fear, reflecting the dark aspects of his character. The
(04:40):
Magi are also about to enter Harrod's palace. If you've
read the Gospel of Matthew, you'll know that news of
Jas's birth will cause Herod to commit unimaginable cruelties. Let's
dive into the story. Afterward. We will unpack themes of
what it truly means to be a king and how
Herod has contrasted with the the true king of the Jews, Jesus.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
The caravan moved through the desert like a river, cutting
through canyons. Caspar, Melchior, and Balshazzar were at the head
of the caravan. Guided by the star, they moved from
endless sand dunes to rugged mountains in dense forests. The
path was arduous, and the journey taxed even the most
(05:24):
robust of their company. As they journeyed west, they began
to witness the heavy hand of the Roman Empire. Once
teeming with vibrant and simple life, remote villages lay in ruin,
their inhabitants, either subjugated or fleeing from Roman wrath. Caesar
had no need for poor villages that couldn't contribute to
the empire. As the magi walked through the broken down villages,
(05:48):
they realized just how heavy the iron grip of Rome was.
Caspar was a man of riches and nobility, some even
referred to him as Solomon Reborn. But as he looked
upon a begging family on the side of the road,
his heart broke stop, Caspar said with a raspy voice.
(06:08):
His camel knelt down and he dismounted. He approached the
family with a quivering lip.
Speaker 3 (06:14):
HE will not replace what you have lost, but I
hope it blesses you.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
He handed them a leather bag of expensive spices to
sell and a cloth wrapped around a large piece of silver.
The father received it and hailed it for a while
in his hand. Hope, he said, with a jaded and
weathered tone. Hope is a distant memory. Behind Caspar's long
white beard, there was a compassionate smile. He walked back
(06:40):
to his camel and mounted it. Before proceeding, he glanced
back at him and.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Said, perhaps hope is closer than you think.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
With those words, the caravan continued through the winding Judaean countryside.
Nature was alive with new life. The wind carried the
scent of freshly budding wild flowers, and fawns pranced through
the grassy valleys. As they neared Judea, the anticipation grew.
They felt a pole, a magnetic force that guided their
(07:09):
every step. The star had led them to Judea, but
the exact location of the Messiah was still unknown to them.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
Tell me, Melchior, Kaspers said, where would a Judaean king
be born?
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Melchia pointed to a city glimmering in the distance, Jerusalem.
He said, the city of David and home to the temple.
No doubt the city will be alive. With celebration, the
caravan entered the city with pomp. They were hardly inconspicuous,
with their camels adorned with purple and chests of gold following.
Speaker 5 (07:41):
Them on carts.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
The rest of their caravan waited outside the city gates
to replenish camels and restock on supplies. But the three
wise men pressed forward, seeking out the palace of Herod,
the tetrach of Judea. His palace loomed over the bustling
market place, imposing and cold, symbolizing power in dominance. Herod
was indeed a master of deceit, cunning as a desert fox.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
His mind was a.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
Labyrinth of political intrigue and deception, honed sharp enough to
cut through the Gaudian knot of political power that entrapped
many rulers. He had an insatiable thirst for dominance, a
desire that drove him to impose crippling taxes upon the
very people he ruled. Even Caesar Augustus, the Master of Rome,
(08:28):
quipped that it was safer to be Herod's swine in
his offspring, For Herod was notorious for slaying any of
his children that proved to threaten his power. Word of
the Magi's arrival, however, presented an opportunity for Herod. To him,
it was a chance to acquire more favour from rich men.
He ordered his servants to prepare a feast worthy of emperors.
(08:51):
He laid a bounty of food at the table and
surrounded them with music, wine, and dancers. To the Magi,
men of refinement and culture, such a reception was not uncommon. However,
something was disquieting about the feast. Balshazzar, in particular, had
his guard up. Herod entered the great halls and stretched
(09:13):
out his arm.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
My lords, to what do I owe this pleasure?
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Herod asked, his voice dripping with feigned graciousness.
Speaker 3 (09:23):
We seek the nupon King of the Jews.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
They replied with a bow. The Messiah Star has guided
us here, and we intend to honor him with our
tributes and adoration. A shiver ran down Herod's spine at
their words. Rumors had reached his ears, whispers of a
child born to be king. But Herod was king, and
no infant would unravel what he had spent decades making.
(09:49):
Concealing his inner disgust, he took a measured sip of
wine ah, yes, he said, with a false grin.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
I have heard rumors of such a child being born.
My servants think I do not hear their whispers in
the halls. But such news is worth celebrating, is it not.
Herod's servants stepped back in fear. The proclamations of the
shepherds had reached some of them, but they had purposely
hidden it from Herod. Balshazzarskedaad it Herod, carefully.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
Do you know where he is?
Speaker 5 (10:21):
Although I have heard rumors, no news has reached my throne.
But if it is the prophesied Messiah you are looking for,
the priests and scribes may be able to be of
some aide.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Herod's summons Some of the temple priests and scribes, They
too were disturbed to hear the news. Tell us priests,
Herod said, where is the prophesied child to be found?
The priests spoke among themselves for a moment, then replied,
m Bethlehem, my Lord, the birthplace of David. For the
(10:57):
prophecies declare us and you, oh Bethlehem, in the land
of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers
of Judah. For from you shall come a ruler who
will shepherd my people Israel. Herod's smile was a serpent's
(11:18):
grin as he raised his glass to the wise men.
Speaker 5 (11:21):
Then perhaps the rumors hold true, my lords, A new
king may indeed grace our land glory to God.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
But his eyes were stormy, seas churning with rage and fear.
Speaker 5 (11:36):
Should you find the child, do return and tell me
so that I too may pay my resperts.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
The magi thanked Harod and departed. Herod watched them leave,
his smile changing into a snarl as the door closed
behind them.
Speaker 5 (11:52):
Messiah or Lot.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
He hissed in a venomous whisper.
Speaker 5 (11:57):
No one will desthrone me.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
His eyes blazed with malevolence that recalled the cruelty of
Pharaoh long ago. With a cry of fury, he hurled
his it up against the wall and summoned his gods.
Speaker 5 (12:10):
Slay every boy under two, show no mercy to those
who defy me.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
He slumped back into his throne, his thoughts a whirlwind
of paranoia, and infant shall not undo me. He vowed
the words a dark oath. The palace seemed to shudder
at his command, a foreboding silence descending as Herod's madness
spiraled further into the darkness, a void of which there
(12:38):
could be no return.
Speaker 4 (12:41):
This story, inspired by Matthew two, is a tale that
paints a picture of the bleak circumstances in which Jesus
was born. The boot of Rome was very heavy on Israel,
and those who weren't contributing to the empire were cast
aside and forgotten. The appearance of the wise Men from
the East heralded a fresh sense of hope that transcended
(13:02):
the earthly suffering scene in the poverty stricken villages. The
sight of Caspar's compassion for the broken family by the
roadside provides a vivid example of this newfound hope, illustrating
how the birth of Jesus inspires us to reach out
to those in need. Indeed, Jesus's coming is a sign
that hope is closer than it seems in our lives.
(13:24):
We may face hopeless situations, yet the story of Jas's
birth reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, hope
is alive and can be found in him. The Journey
of the Magi paints a grim picture of the Roman
Empire's cruel dominion villages lay in ruin, and the impoverish
were subjected to the empire's iron grip. But in this devastation,
(13:48):
the Magi were led by a star to the place
where the true king was born. The Kingdom of God
is unlike any earthly kingdom. While Caesar's rule brought destruction
and subjugation, Jesus's kingdom brought restoration, grace, and justice. The
birth of Christ inaugurated a new error where the marginalized
and oppressed could find refuge and dignity. The Kingdom of
(14:12):
God is not built on power and dominion, but love, mercy,
and grace. Here does a personification of the greed, corruption,
and evil Israel was oppressed to during that time. Under
that politician's smile was a man consumed with bitterness and jealousy.
Hero's response to the birth of Jesus reveals the depths
(14:34):
of which jealousy and fear can drive a person. Though
he initially fiend interest in worshiping the new born king,
his true intentions were soon laid bare. Driven by a
relentless desire to protect his power, he issued a horrifying
command to slay every boy under the age of two
in Bethlehem. This sobering account reminds us of the destructive
(14:57):
nature of jealousy. Jealousy can blind us to reason and
lead us to unspeakable cruelty. It is a stark warning
to guard our hearts against envy and to see contentment
in what God has given us. Herod's rule is marked
by betrayal and violence, founded in fear and oppression. But
(15:18):
the birth of Jesus Herod the new kind of king
who rules with love, compassion, and righteousness. Unlike Herod, whose
rule was threatened by a mere infant, Jesus's kingship is unshakable.
In our present age, it's tempting to put our trust
in political leaders or ideologies, hoping they will bring about
(15:39):
the change we desire, But the story of Herod reminds
us that earthly rulers are fallible and often driven by
self interest. Jesus, on the other hand, is a king
who reigns with perfect justice and love. In him alone
we find solid and eternal hope. Above all, This passage
(15:59):
on scores the incomparable kingship of Jesus and a world
fraught with uncertainty, He remains the unchanging and faithful start
of follow May this Christmas season rekindle in us a
fresh sense of wonder at the birth of our Savior
and renew our commitment to live as citizens of His kingdom.
Join us for our next episode. The mag I will
(16:22):
finally behold the King they've been waiting for. The gifts
they give will provide us with deep theological insight into
the nature of Jesus. If you've enjoyed this podcast, consider
sharing it with a friend.
Speaker 5 (16:35):
We want the.
Speaker 4 (16:35):
Story of Jesus to change lives. If you're interested in
my ministry, you can visit Discovering the Jewish Jesus dot
com or check out my book Messianic Prophecy Revealed Discovering
Messiah in the Pages of the Hebrew Bible. For more
engaging and transformative Biblical stories, download Theprey dot com app.
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