Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Matthew 2:1-4

Herod feared for his throne. He was the king and would not allow another to take that away from him. The status that he held and the luxury it provided were things he was not willing to give up for any man, even if he was God.

We see this clearly when Herod learns from three non-Jewish wise men that they had heard a king of the Jews was to be born. How could they have known? Who would have told these Gentiles about a new king of the Jews, and why would they travel to see him?

It’s because they knew this was no ordinary king. Jesus was a man that deserved to be worshipped. They were ready to give up every part of their culture and adopt whatever ideas this new king brought with him. They were ready to forfeit everything that once characterized their lives and replace it with Jesus.

God calls us to the same. We all feel the threat when Jesus makes demands on our lives. We all feel defensive when this new king confronts our selfish souls. So let this season be one where we lay down everything and worship Him. May we seek the Savior for His glory instead of to protect our own. May we love Him and others more than we love ourselves.