Two Kingdoms, One Choice: Living Like Herod Or Following Jesus?

The story of Jesus’ birth doesn’t end in the manger. Matthew 2 introduces us to a dramatic encounter between two kings: King Herod, a ruler consumed by insecurity, and Jesus, the newborn King of the Jews. Through the journey of the Magi, we are drawn into a narrative of contrasts—two kings, two kingdoms, two ways of life. Herod’s rule is defined by fear and paranoia, while Jesus’ reign embodies service, sacrifice, and hope. This story challenges us to reflect: are we building our lives like Herod’s kingdom or aligning with Jesus’ eternal Kingdom?

The Magi were seekers of truth. They weren’t Jewish scholars or religious leaders. Instead, they were Gentile astrologers, skilled in interpreting the stars and discerning mysteries. Their journey began with a star that led them to Jerusalem. They boldly asked King Herod, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

This question shook Herod. As a ruler obsessed with maintaining power, the thought of a rival king—even a child—threatened him. Herod pretended to share their interest in honoring Jesus, but his intentions were sinister. He sent the Magi to Bethlehem, plotting to use their report to locate and kill the child. However, the Magi’s encounter with Jesus changed their course. Warned in a dream, they avoided Herod and returned home by another route.

This pivotal moment reveals the Magi’s transformation. They chose to worship the true King rather than seek rewards from an earthly one. Their journey reminds us that seeking Jesus requires courage and the willingness to change direction when we encounter His truth.

Matthew’s gospel draws a vivid contrast between King Herod and King Jesus. Each represents a kingdom with vastly different values, legacies, and outcomes.

Herod’s Kingdom: A Legacy of Fear

Herod’s reign was marked by paranoia and cruelty. Historically, he was known for his willingness to eliminate anyone he perceived as a threat—even members of his own family. He rebuilt the Jewish temple, but not out of reverence for God. Instead, he exploited the labor of his people to solidify his image as a powerful ruler. In the account of Matthew 2, Herod’s insecurity led to the horrific massacre of children in Bethlehem—an act driven by his desperate need to cling to power.

Herod’s legacy is one of fear and oppression. His kingdom, tied to the Roman Empire, was temporary and destined to fade. It serves as a stark reminder of the futility of building a life centered on self-preservation and control.

Jesus’ Kingdom: A Legacy of Service

In contrast, Jesus’ Kingdom operates on a foundation of love, humility, and eternal significance. Born in humble circumstances, Jesus entered the world not to dominate but to serve. His life was a continual laying down of power for the sake of others. As He later taught in Matthew’s gospel, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

Where Herod sought to hoard power, Jesus invited others into His Kingdom, offering freedom and salvation. His legacy is eternal, rooted in hope and redemption for all who believe.

For Matthew’s Jewish audience, the parallels between Jesus and Moses would have been unmistakable. Both were born under the shadow of oppressive rulers who sought to kill them as infants. Moses escaped Pharaoh’s decree and later became the liberator of God’s people. Similarly, Jesus and His family fled to Egypt, escaping Herod’s wrath. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of bondage, Jesus came to free humanity from sin and death.

This historical connection reinforces a central theme of Scripture: God continually works to rescue His people and fulfill His promises. The move from Egypt to Israel symbolizes a transition from oppression to worship, mirroring the spiritual journey Jesus offers to those who follow Him.

The Magi’s encounter with Jesus wasn’t just a visit—it was a turning point in their lives. These men, likely influential and wealthy, could have sought favor with Herod and reaped earthly rewards. Instead, they bowed before Jesus, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These treasures were more than valuable commodities; they symbolized Jesus’ identity and mission:

• Gold: Representing His kingship.
• Frankincense: Signifying His priestly role and connection to God.
• Myrrh: Foretelling His sacrificial death.

Their choice to worship Jesus over Herod reminds us that encountering Jesus invites us to reassess our priorities and make life-altering decisions.

Matthew’s account challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Are we building temporary “kingdoms” like Herod, or aligning with the eternal Kingdom of Jesus? Here are some questions to consider:

1. Where is your focus?  Is your life centered on accumulating power, wealth, or status, or on serving others and seeking God’s will?
2. What drives your decisions?  Are your choices motivated by fear and self-preservation, or by faith and trust in God?
3. What is your trajectory?  Are you investing in things that will fade, or in relationships and values that have eternal significance?

The epiphany story reminds us that following Jesus requires a shift in perspective. Like the Magi, we are invited to bow before the true King, surrendering our plans and ambitions to His greater purpose.

Matthew’s narrative also speaks to liberation. Just as Jesus’ family left Egypt to fulfill God’s plan, we are called to leave behind the oppressive systems and mindsets that enslave us. These might include:

• The pursuit of materialism: Constantly striving for more at the expense of inner peace.
• The grip of fear: Letting anxiety dictate our actions and rob us of joy.
• The need for control: Clinging to power rather than trusting God’s sovereignty.

Jesus offers an alternative—a life of freedom, purpose, and eternal hope. His Kingdom invites us to step out of the shadows of fear and into the light of His love.

The Magi’s story resonates because it’s about transformation. These men had spent their lives interpreting signs and pursuing knowledge. But when they met Jesus, their trajectory changed forever. They left Bethlehem different than when they arrived, choosing to honor a King whose reign would outlast all others.

This transformation is available to us today. Encountering Jesus invites us to reassess our lives, question our priorities, and embrace a new path—a path marked by service, faith, and eternal significance.

The story of Herod and Jesus isn’t just a historical account—it’s a mirror for our own lives. Herod’s kingdom, built on fear and self-interest, was temporary and destructive. Jesus’ Kingdom, founded on love and humility, offers eternal hope.

As you reflect on this story, consider the kingdom you are building. Like the Magi, you have a choice. Will you bow before Jesus and align your heart and life with His, or follow the path of Herod?