Lent: Journey Through the Holy Land – Part 8

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Matthew 2:1-12

Our first full day in Israel started at the Herodion. While we were starting with the Christmas story, this was not in chronological order – but honestly climbing up the Herodion in the heat of the day would not have been fun.

Starting here though provided an interesting perspective on the lowly entrance of our Savior and King.

Herod built this fortress and palace between 23 and 15 BCE on a high hill south of Jerusalem and east of Bethlehem. This was the only structure Herod built which he named after himself.

Our day started at the Herodion. The bus took us to the base of the palace and we hiked up to the top. The hike was steep, but the views were incredible. You could see so manny different places. You could see the Mount of Olives, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and even the Dead Sea. It was sababa [amazing].

October 21, 2019

We were able to walk down into the palace and see what still remained. One of the baths remained with the ceiling still intact. You could see the individual bricks, and in some areas you could still see the plaster that covered the bricks on the inside of the palace. Part of the large tower on the east still remained partially intact.

October 21, 2019

Starting our day here began the Christmas story with a king who was insecure and willing to take the lives of children. This juxtaposition of a king with power and rule versus the lowly entrance of Jesus was so interesting to think about.

October 21, 2019

King Herod was insecure and terrified that this “king” the wisemen spoke of would take away his power and rule. He was so insecure that he ordered the all children two and under in and around Bethlehem be killed. Herod was afraid of an infant.

AN INFANT.

A child who could not speak or do anything on his own.

Herod was afraid of an infant.

Please let that sink in for a little bit. A king, with wealth and power, was afraid of a lowly infant. He was so insecure in his rule over the land and the people that he ordered the killing of children under two. I know I’m repeating myself – but are you getting this?

Do you see the jealousy in Herod? The insanity of the situation? The insecureness Herod had in himself? The action without regard to the pain and suffering it would cause others? The murder of innocent?

Do you see it? Doesn’t it seem crazy?

But think about this…

Can you see Herod in yourself? Have you found yourself insecure or jealous of someone else? Have you let those feelings cause you to react in a way that may have caused pain to others? Do you let your jealousy validate your actions? Have you made a mountain out of a mole hill?

We’ve all been Herod.

I have let stupid, stupid things cause me to doubt myself or feel insecure in relationships. I have reacted in ways that were anything but good or helpful to a situation. I have caused pain to others. And I have definitely made a mountain out of a mole hill.

Sometimes I’ve been Herod.

But you see, in this story, there is hope and life. The world welcomed its Savior. And even when we fail and act out of jealously and insecurity like Herod, God still loves us.

Lord, some days we are just like King Herod – insecure, jealous, and out to get others. It’s ugly. It’s messy. It’s not Your will. Help us in these moments. Remind us of Herod in the Christmas story. Lead us to be more like You instead. Amen.

Abbey Jo