A study of Matthew 2 & Luke 19

Herod was greatly distressed and troubled and the whole of Jerusalem with him. I'm sitting here studying God's Word this morning, and i come across this verse, and a question comes to mind: "Why was all of Jerusalem distressed and troubled over the announcement of the star and the new king?"

I understand Herod being upset. Clearly - he does not want to be "dethroned" but what about the people? I will need to study this more, but my first thoughts are as follows:

1) Herod was concerned with political and military overthrow of his kingdom
2) the people were concerned with life as they knew it coming to an end with the announcement of a new king
3) Neither Herod nor his people were familiar with the Scriptures - having studied prophecy, Herod and his people would have realized that this king, unlike others of the day, was not interested in "stealing" an earthly throne from an earthly leader. Jesus Christ "came to seek and to save that which was lost" [Luke 19:10]

I am afraid that the problem of that day is the same as the problem of this day: we too, are concerned only with our own comfort. We do NOT know the Scriptures - what the Word of God says, and when Christ comes "on the scene" in our lives, we often do not recognize Him for Who He is! He is the Savior of the world in Matthew 2 [and, indeed, ALL of Scripture], and in Luke 19, we see Him reaching the lost - Zacchaeus - a "chief" among sinners, yet b/c Zacchaeus received Him and welcomed Him joyfully [Luke 19:6], salvation came to his household that day...and of course, it caused the people to "murmur" and complain...upset that a sinner had come to Christ, even though they, themselves were as unworthy to be saved as Zacchaeus or any of us today who have, through the grace and mercy of Christ, received salvation.

Acts 2:21 - 21 And it shall be that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord [invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord--Christ] shall be saved [AMP].

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