One of the central figures in the Christmas story is Herod the Great, who was king of the Jews when Jesus was born. Privacy guarantee: I will never share your e-mail address with anyone else. Matthew 2: 7-8"Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. . He is the author of "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges. When … It is an ironic twist of the Christmas story that it is the pagans who recognize Jesus for who he really is. Herod has the field all to himself. This lesson shows that God is in control, despite the pretenders like King Herod. Joseph was warned by an angel that Herod would do this and safely escaped to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. Herod and his sons ruled Judea during Jesus’ life and ministry. He was a master politician. Herod the Great was the villain in the Christmas story, a wicked king who saw the baby Jesus as a threat and wanted to murder him. ... We tend look at the story of Christmas from the perspective of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, but we never imagine ourselves in Herod’s shoes. The story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is not a true story, but this morning I want to tell you a true story of another "Grinch" who tried to steal Christmas. He is a Great accomplishments are meaningless if done in a way that dishonors God. That's why it's important to keep, even King Herod--The Man Who Tried to Kill Christmas--in Christmas. King Herod, a descendant of Esau, wasn’t a Jew by birth although his family converted to Judaism before he was born. And why was he so hostile to the news of the birth of Jesus? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' Herod the Great was king of Judea, part of the Herodian Kingdom and part of the Roman empire. The Comic Book Bible: Volume 3 Kids, and boys … The reason he hated Christmas was that he had a shriveled heart. Herod was 33 years old when he came into power through his friendship with the Roman Emperor, Marcus Antonius. This is where Matthew’s story takes a dark turn, as the wise men followed the star to Bethlehem, King Herod calls them in for a meeting. Yes, I’m talking about the one and only, the great tyrant King Herod himself. There is one final group on stage. Luke sets the historical context of John’s story by saying “In the days of Herod, King of Judea” Luke 1:5. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. This year we wrap up the series with a look from a completely different view point, that of the king. Herod's role in the Christmas story can be found in Matthew 2:1-18. The Gospel of Matthew recounts how the king orders the death of all baby boys following the … After his father died he secured an appointment from Rome to be the ruler of Judea in his father’s place. This free printable Sunday School lesson is based on the story of the Wise Men found in Matthew 2:1-13. That revolution continues, and every year Christmas summons us to play our part in it. He was born in Ashkelon, a southern Palestine seaport on the Mediterranean Sea in 73 BC to an Idumean man named Antipater and a woman named Cyprus, the daughter of an Arab sheik. And how they responded to this baby is truly remarkable. Part of what makes this particular section of the Christmas story so compelling is the evil king who serves as a foil to the so-called “three kings” who are looking to present gifts to Jesus. They do not feel it is safe to … Following in his father's footsteps, Herod Antipas murdered. Much has been written about his accomplishments and his cruel and vindictive dealings with his family. God has blessed … There are shepherds and wise men, Mary and Joseph, angels and the innkeeper--even the evil King Herod. So when we celebrate Christmas, we're celebrating a birthday right the birthday of Jesus, but not just a birthday … The first person in the Christmas story is the unlikely and unlikable King Herod. Sign up here to receive my blog posts via email. The biblical story of Herod the Great is told in Matthew 2:1-22; Luke 1:5. Eventually they learn that Herod the Great is safely dead, but they are afraid of his son, Archilaus, who is now on the throne of Judea. Joseph did not return to Israel until Herod had died. In a 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's been born? On Christmas Eve, we always read the story, from Matthew, about how the wise men first came to the court of King Herod, asking him where they can find the child born King of the Jews. The "Coventry Carol" is an English Christmas carol dating from the 16th century.The carol was traditionally performed in Coventry in England as part of a mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors.The play depicts the Christmas story from chapter two in the Gospel of Matthew: the carol itself refers to the Massacre of the Innocents, in which Herod ordered all … It was a banner of war, unfurled to declare that a divine revolution had begun. Herod the Great was the villain in the Christmas story, a wicked king who saw the baby Jesus as a threat and wanted to murder him. Please pray each day of this Christmas season for someone in your life who is far from God. Do you want to learn what the Bible teaches about satanic attacks? He was a master politician. only after Herod was long gone, Did Jesus and Mary and Joseph returned home so that Jesus could grow up in Nazareth just where he thought he. He was a master politician. Herod strengthened Israel's position in the ancient world by increasing its commerce and turning it into a trading hub for Arabia and the East. The Christmas story doesn’t begin with Jesus. That’s right, there’s a villain within the Christmas story and he’s a character we very likely have forgotten, for he almost never gets cast in our Christmas plays, nor is he displayed within our nativity sets. When they didn’t return he was furious. 3. We never share email addresses. Herod was a schemer who took advantage of Roman political unrest to claw his way to the top. The angel Gabriel said to Mary: “Peace be with you! The Lord uses even evil people as instruments to accomplish his purposes. Even so, he was the king who missed Christmas, for he had no faith in God, no trust in … And we learn from all of them. He secretly asked the Magi when they first saw the star and then sent them to Bethlehem, asking them to report back to him when they returned. Jesus' stepfather, Joseph, was also warned in a dream by an angel, who told him to take Mary and their son and flee to Egypt, to escape Herod. He called himself "The Great" and was obsessed with his kingdom so much that he had his own children killed so they wouldn't threaten to take his throne. Some Thoughts About King Herod and Christmas. The download below includes craft suggestions, worksheets, coloring page, and complete teaching guide. It was some time in the previous two years. Are you confused about spiritual warfare? (2020, August 28). The figure of a King, Herod the Great, looms large. The next time in the Christmas story King Herod is mentioned is when the wise men arrive Matthew 2:1-23. I especially love the Christmas story. His name was King Herod and like the Grinch, he hated Christmas. I recommend letting kids browse through this book as they arrive or reading it aloud instead of showing a video or telling the Bible stories presented in the lessons. God sent a message through a miraculous dream to the three wise men (the Magi) that the Bible mentions as part of the Christmas story, to warn them to stay away from a cruel king named Herod while on their journey to deliver gifts to the child they believed was was destined to save the world: Jesus Christ. Fortunately Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, escape to Egypt. He tried to trick them into revealing the child's location in Bethlehem on their way home, but they were warned in a dream to avoid Herod, so they returned to their countries by another route. Herod … Herod's heavy taxes to pay for lavish projects forced an unfair burden on the Jewish citizens. "Meet Herod the Great: Ruthless Ruler of the Jews." After a quick stop in Jerusalem and a visit with King Herod, the 3 Kings of the East arrived in Bethlehem. He attempted to eliminate this threat to his throne by having all the boys in Bethlehem under two years old killed. He ignored the laws of God to suit himself and chose the favor of Rome over his own people. For the next few blog posts we’re going to look at them in the order they appear in the Christmas story. It was the Romans who gave him the title King of Judea. Worship. In addition to the main characters Jesus, Mary and Joseph there are many minor characters. There’s so much to it and it’s a great story. First they come to see King Herod, but his dangerous plan fails and the infant Christ escapes to Egypt. After his father died he secured an appointment from Rome to be the ruler of Judea in his father’s place. The girl's name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph. This kind of ghastly plot comports with what we know about Herod historically. In the Christian tradition, Herod is the villain in the Christmas story. When you sign-up to receive our blog by email you get access to these two 30 minute Bible teaching videos: Enter Your Name and Email Address Below to Get Started! The girl’s name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph. God allowed Herod the Great to build a magnificent temple in Jerusalem. Herod the Great's tomb was discovered by Israeli archaeologists in 2007 at the site of the city of Herodium, 8 miles south of Jerusalem. If so please leave it below. He learned from them when the boy was born. For information about booking Ward to speak click here. While our actions may not be as bad as his, let’s try to identify with his Grinch-like … Do you have a comment or question? The king called Herod. God helps us keep things in the proper perspective when we focus on him above all else. At the story of the Magi uh from Matthew Chapter two. King Herod looms large and menacing in Jerusalem when the Magi arrive looking for the new king who had been born. We’ve had an eyewitness to Christmas the last few years as we look at the Christmas story from the perspectives of Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds and the Wise Men. Christmas was more than a celebration; it was God’s trumpet, announcing to Herod the beginning of the end. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him' " (NIV). It’s December and the Christmas season is in full bloom. This lesson plan is based on the visit of the wise men to see baby Jesus. We’ll talk more about him in a few days. . Herod’s role in the Christmas story can be found in Matthew 2:1-18. Uncontrolled ambition can turn a person into a monster. Like Joseph and Mary, whatever the task God has called you to do, no matter how wonderful, will involve hardship. Meet Herod the Great: Ruthless Ruler of the Jews. It’s part of our new series “Heroes of the Christmas Story” (Celebrated and Lesser-Known) that shares the Biblical story of Christmas. Father - AntipaterMother - CyprusWives - Doris, Mariamne I, Mariamne II, Malthace, Cleopatra (Jewish), Pallas, Phaedra, Elpis, others.Sons - Herod Antipas, Philip, Archelaus, Aristobulus, Antipater, others. Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/herod-the-great-enemy-of-jesus-christ-701064. Matthew 2:1-3"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Long ago, about 2000 years, when King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young woman who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. Zavada, Jack. After the Magi's question, Herod called the chief priests and teachers of the Law to determine where this new king was to be born. And the art of Elena Selivanova is mesmerizing. Zavada, Jack. We’re not sure on the timing, but by the time they arrived, Jesus had been moved to a house (Matthew 2:11). During a civil war in the Empire, Herod won the favor of Octavian, who later became the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. Then with the help of the chief priests and scribes he determined Bethlehem was where the Bible said the king would be born. His massive building program included theaters, amphitheaters, a port, markets, temples, housing, palaces, walls around Jerusalem, and aqueducts. There was intelligence to be gathered — and if these naive foreigners could be enlisted … Glenys Nellist follows the rhythm of the poem perfectly as she writes new lines to tell the real Christmas story. Matthew says that Christmas came in the days of King Herod. This "Grinch" was a king by the name of Herod. But there is no close second in the Christmas story when it comes to villains. He executed his favorite wife, his brother-in-law, and three of his sons because he thought they wanted his crown. We hate spam just as much as you. Home » The Christmas Story Long ago, about 2000 years, when King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young women who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. Herod was the king … But who was this man? The carol refers to the Massacre of the Innocents, in which Herod ordered all male infants two years old and under in Bethlehem to be killed. Jesus became a man out of love for a world that didn’t want Him. King Herod was like Joseph Stalin. It’s a feel good, warm fuzzy, swaddling clothes, manger moment.”. It’s been said that every story needs a villain. Learn Religions. He secretly asked the Magi when they first saw the star and then sent them to Bethlehem, asking them to report back to him when they returned. Herod reigned 37 years. And I want you to see what Matthew said here, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the East, came to Jerusalem … Herod the Great was a brutal man who killed his father-in-law, several of his ten wives, and two of his sons. Yes, but hang with me. Even children seem to recognize this. King Herod feels threatened by Jesus and wants to slaughter what he perceives to be the competition. This year I’ve decided to take a look at each of the characters in the Christmas story. Jealousy clouds our judgment. King Herod, a descendant of Esau, wasn’t a Jew by birth although his family converted to Judaism before he was born. The angel Gabriel said to Mary: 'Peace be with you! As a skilled politician, he knew how to get things done. One of them, Herod Antipas, was one of the conspirators in the trial and execution of Jesus. There is a comprehension task at the end. He held that position from approximately 37 BC to 4 BC. In fact, he tried to steal the very first Christmas. King Herod was king at the time Jesus was born. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus reported that Herod the Great died of a painful and debilitating disease that caused breathing problems, convulsions, rotting of his body, and worms. Hear the word of God. The Christmas Story www.whychristmas.com Page 1 of 6 The Christmas Story. Their search to find the one born to be the king of the Jews led them to King Herod. After the Magi’s question, Herod called the chief priests and teachers of the Law to determine where this new king was to be born. He didn't want anything to interfere with his plan. Once he was king, Herod launched an ambitious building program, both in Jerusalem and the spectacular port city of Caesarea, named after the emperor. You may be thinking, “Robert, this is the Christmas story! I’d love to hear from you! It be. After his father died he secured an appointment from Rome to be the ruler of Judea in his father’s place. Although he ruled over the Jews in Israel in the time before Christ, Herod the Great was not completely Jewish. If you wanna turn there with me, I'm gonna start by just reading the first twelve verses of Matthew Chapter two. Pray that God would show that person how much He loves them and wants to have a relationship with them through Jesus! In the passion story, the main villain would be Judas Iscariot, with possibly the High Priest Caiaphas and his Sanhedrin running a close second. Children will learn how God protected the Holy family despite the wicked king. It begins with the story of Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist. 2 Free Videos Reveal Biblical Truth About Spiritual Warfare. He restored the magnificent Jerusalem temple, which was later destroyed by the Romans following a rebellion in A.D. 70. In Matthew's Gospel, the Wise Men met Herod on their way to worship Jesus. We usually imagine angels speaking in soft, reassuring tones. "Meet Herod the Great: Ruthless Ruler of the Jews." If the Christmas story has a villain, it would be King Herod. Joseph and Mary fled from Herod because they didn't want to be uh caught and Herod tried very hard to kill Jesus. The first person in the Christmas story is the unlikely and unlikable King Herod. No human leader, no matter how powerful, can thwart the plan of God. Enjoy the Complete Christmas Story of the Birth of Jesus, The Ultimate List of Christmas Bible Verses to Celebrate Jesus' Birth, Explore Biblical Bethlehem: The City of David and Birthplace of Jesus, Meet the Three Kings - Wise Men From the East, Chronology of the Birth and Life of Jesus Christ, Herod Antipas - Co-Conspirator in Jesus' Death, Israel Tour Pictures: Photo Journal of the Holy Land, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. Herod the Great Two Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in the life of Herod the Great: When King Herod ordered the murder of all babies two years and younger in Bethlehem, it fulfilled Jeremiah 31:15 ; Joseph took Mary and … The historical … They are the Wise Men who when they found the baby, bowed down and worshipped him. But the Wise Men prove themselves worthy of their name. He is troubled by the news of a rival King being born in Bethlehem, and he tries to have the baby killed. When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him" (NIV). He kept order in Israel but by using secret police and tyrannical rule. I love Christmas, the music, the decorations, giving and getting presents! He told the wise men and directed them to return and tell him when they found the child. Herod knows and tries to kill him; the scribes know and ignore him. And in many ways, the Christmas story is no different. Click here to make a tax deductible donation. The lyrics of this haunting carol represent a mother's lament for her doomed child. Christ calls us to loving relationships rather than building monuments to ourselves. In the massacre of newborn babies of Bethlehem found in the Nativity story, King Herod is portrayed as a tyrant prepared to kill infants who could eventually challenge him. Nothing has changed with Jesus or the world. Zavada, Jack. His kingdom was divided by the Romans among his three sons. Herod's advisors told the king where the Jewish king was to be born, according to the scriptures, and that yes, indeed, the Jewish people were looking for their Messiah. Herod worked well with Israel's Roman conquerors. The play depicts the Christmas story from chapter two in the Gospel of Matthew. One of the things that makes the Christmas story interesting is the characters who are part of it. When Herod learned he had been outwitted by the Magi, he became furious, ordering the slaughter of all the boys who were two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). He held that position from approximately 37 BC to 4 BC. There was a broken sarcophagus but no corpse. When you begin to read the Christmas story, and really when you begin to read the gospel of Matthew, you can see Jesus being established as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The Next Month Does Not Look Good [And Here Is Why I’m Good With That]. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/herod-the-great-enemy-of-jesus-christ-701064. King Herod, a descendant of Esau, wasn’t a Jew by birth although his family converted to Judaism before he was born. It include a passage from the bible - Matthew 2 :13-18 which is the King Herod section It looks at the journey that Mary and Joseph took to get to Egypt when they fled with Jesus and then links this into todays world with refugees. It was the Romans who gave him the title King of Judea. This amphora fragment… Click the Button Below to Get Started Right Away! Herod, of course, was the real, live King of the Jews, but he was too crafty a politician to show his hand too soon. ", Kachelhoffer Clement / Contributor / Getty Images. https://www.learnreligions.com/herod-the-great-enemy-of-jesus-christ-701064 (accessed February 18, 2021). They bowed in worship! We should appreciate what God has given us instead of worrying about others. But we get to Matthew chapter two. So, God calls us to remember, as we look at some of the different parts of the Christmas story--even some parts that we might hope to forget. In the case of the Christmas narrative recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, the villain is none other than Herod the Great. For Herod has not gone, but rules still, for Herod is more than an historical ruler or a dynasty.
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