Day 16: Disturbed at the News of the Birth of Jesus

• Matthew 2:1 (ESV)

---

I see easily why Herod was disturbed and troubled at the news of the birth of a new King. I could see how a king who brutally ruled over the Jews would feel threatened by a new King. But it also says that everyone in Jerusalem was disturbed and troubled too. What?

Day 16: Disturbed at the News of the Birth of Jesus>

You mean everyone living in Jerusalem, even those who had been unfairly brutalized by Herod the King were disturbed by the possibility of a new king? The Bible doesn't say, but the more I think about it, the more I can understand from several different angles. Fear of the unknown. Fear of Kings. Fear of the gentile strangers bringing the news. Fear of God. Fear of the ultimate judgment.

Without knowing Christ, and thus really knowing the one true God. Knowing his sacrifice, his love for us, for me, I would be disturbed with the idea that God was coming today to this earth as an earthly ruler.

Lord, thank you for coming and showing me your ultimate love, grace, and mercy in Christ that washes away my sin and fear so I can be in your presence.

Other days of my Journey to Bethlehem.

---