The King of the Jews

Advent Day #19

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Daniel 9:25-26

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2

Matthew’s focus of writing was centered on Jesus as King, which is why he included this account of foreigners declaring Jesus the King of the Jews. Most likely these wise men from the East were students of Daniel’s works. The unusually bright star signified to these men the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy that Messiah the Prince would come at a certain time. However, their coming triggered great unrest in King Herod the Great, who had already put his wife, her family, and sons to death in a desperate attempt to protect his throne. Herod had no intention of giving up his throne to anyone, not even the promised Messiah. After determining the information of where Messiah would be born, Herod ordered all baby boys under the age of two in Bethlehem to be put to death. God was not surprised at this move, however, as Jeremiah had prophesied this in Jeremiah 31:15. God sent Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt to await the soon demise of King Herod.

Many people welcomed the coming of a sweet, innocent, and helpless Baby. However, the ruling King is another story. Jesus did not advocate a halfway response in people’s hearts. He came to reign, but not by force this first time. He still allows people to declare Him King of their personal Kingdom. Herod chose to defy this Baby King’s reign, but his fight was futile. Jesus still holds His position. For those of us still breathing air, there is still time to choose. “Just two choices on the shelf, serving God or serving self.” Is Jesus your King?