Today we will talk about who wanted to kill baby Jesus. Many Christians may not fully understand the significance behind this event, but it holds great importance in understanding the early days of Jesus’s life and the opposition He faced. Not only did Jesus come to bring hope and salvation to the world, but His very arrival was met with danger and hostility. As we meditate on God’s word, we will learn about the king who sought to eliminate the threat of Jesus’s presence and what this means for us as believers. So let’s prepare our hearts and minds to receive insight and wisdom as we journey through Scripture together.
Who Wanted to Kill Baby Jesus
Herod’s Jealousy and Fear
In the days of Jesus’s birth, King Herod ruled over Judea. Herod was known for his ruthless nature and deep-seated jealousy. He desired to maintain power at all costs, and when news of Jesus’s birth reached him, his fear of losing his throne ignited a terrifying response. Herod was not just any king; he was a master of political manipulation and brutality. According to Matthew 2:1-3, we find that when the wise men from the East came to Jerusalem asking about the newborn King of the Jews, King Herod became “troubled,” as well as all of Jerusalem. This shows us the anxiety Herod had regarding the potential rival to his throne and his oppressive rule.
Herod’s name, derived from the Hebrew word “chereḇ,” meaning “to cut” or “to destroy,” fits him well, considering his relentless quest for power. In his eyes, any challenge to his authority was an immediate and substantial threat. Little did he know that Jesus’s kingdom was not one built on the foundation of worldly power or fear, but on love and grace.
As the story unfolds, Herod’s deep-rooted fear leads to a cruel plan. In Matthew 2:16, we read that in a fit of rage, Herod ordered the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem under the age of two. This horrific act reflects the extent to which he was willing to go to eliminate any potential rivals. The sinister nature of Herod’s actions warns us about the dangers of jealousy and ambition, reminding us of how perilous it can be when power is prioritized over the welfare of innocent lives.
Indeed, Herod’s actions showed the world just how oppressive ruling out of fear can be. But as we see in Revelation 12:1-5, God already had a plan. The one who sought to destroy the Messiah was destined to be defeated. Jesus was born to bring redemption, despite the schemes of those who wanted to extinguish His light.
The Role of the Wise Men
The story of Herod is intricately linked with the arrival of the wise men, who went in search of Jesus following the star (Matthew 2:1). These men, described as magi, were scholars and astrologers knowledgeable about ancient prophecies. Their visit to Israel was not just a mere search for a child; it was a quest driven by spiritual significance. They sought to honor the future king, but their presence stirred Herod’s darkness further.
In their inquiry, the wise men asked about the whereabouts of the “king of the Jews,” a label that filled Herod with unease. The Greek word for ‘wise men’ is “magi,” which refers to a priestly caste known for interpreting dreams and prophecies through the study of the stars. This highlights the universal nature of Jesus’s mission; even those from distant lands recognized His significance. As stated in Matthew 2:9-10, the star led them to the exact location where Jesus lay, representing how God guides those who seek truth.
After finding Jesus, the wise men were filled with joy and brought gifts fit for a king: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). Each gift has deeper meanings; gold symbolizes Jesus’s royalty, frankincense His deity, and myrrh, often used in burial, foreshadows His death. Yet, their return journey didn’t go through Herod; they listened to God’s warning in a dream not to go back to him (Matthew 2:12). This decision illustrates the importance of discernment when navigating through a world that may not always have our best interests at heart.
The wise men’s story is a gentle reminder that seeking God can lead us to unexpected places, and sometimes, following God’s leading means taking a different route than what appears to be the norm. Thus, through their wise choices, we see how God protects His own even in dark times.
Joseph and Mary’s Obedience
Alongside the wise men, we have Mary and Joseph, whose obedience and faith were pivotal in protecting Jesus from Herod. After the wise men departed, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him to flee to Egypt with Mary and the child (Matthew 2:13). Joseph’s response is remarkable; he didn’t hesitate but acted promptly, showcasing his commitment as a father and protector. The Greek word for obedience is “hypakoē,” which translates to “to listen attentively and act accordingly.” Joseph embodies this character beautifully.
The journey to Egypt was not easy. Egypt represented a place of refuge for the Israelites, especially during times of challenge, as seen in the history of Exodus. By taking his family to Egypt, Joseph not only fulfilled the prophecy of Hosea 11:1 (“Out of Egypt I called my son”) but also demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s heavenly plan. Obedience in moments of uncertainty is never simple, but Mary and Joseph’s example teaches us the importance of faithfulness.
In moments when life’s challenges come our way, we too may encounter a call to obedience, despite how daunting it may seem. Whether through prayer or divine indication, just as with Joseph, we must stay attuned to God’s voice and be willing to follow Him wherever He leads. God had already laid the groundwork to protect His son, showing us that His plans are always accompanied by provision and safety.
The Impact of Herod’s Actions
Herod’s actions not only affected Jesus’s family, but they created a ripple effect throughout Israel. The massacre of the innocents is one of the darkest moments in the early story of Jesus, causing immeasurable grief in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:17-18 quotes the prophecy of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:15), confirming that this sorrow was foretold. Herod’s brutal act reflects a chilling reality: evil often tries to suppress what is good, but God’s promise of redemption stands firm.
Though Herod believed he could stop the Messiah by eliminating vulnerable children, his actions instead fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. Throughout Scripture, we see countless instances of God taking the enemy’s schemes intended for evil and turning them for good (Genesis 50:20). A prime example of this is how Jesus Himself, who was nearly destroyed as a child, matured into the savior of the world.
This incident also emphasizes the importance of protecting the vulnerable. The innocent lives lost during Herod’s tyranny remind us of our responsibility to cherish and safeguard those who cannot defend themselves. We live in a world that still sees such violence against children, and we are called to respond with love and protection, following the example of Jesus’s earthly caretakers.
God’s Ultimate Plan of Salvation
Through the story of an adversarial king attempting to extinguish the light of the world, we find a silver lining—a revelation of God’s ultimate plan for humanity. Jesus wasn’t just born to escape King Herod; He was born to confront and conquer sin itself. The spilling of innocent blood is met with a promise and fulfillment of salvation found in Christ. That’s the beauty of the cross—we see how Jesus conquered death through His resurrection.
From the moment of birth, Jesus faced opposition, but in all circumstances, He overcame. The Salvation story does not end in the shadows of Herod’s dark intentions; it culminates in the glorious light of Christ’s resurrection (John 11:25-26). When thinking about Jesus’s early life, we are reminded that God’s light shines brightest in the darkness (John 1:5). No ruler, tyrant, or king can thwart God’s plan; He alone remains sovereign over all creation.
As believers today, it is our privilege to proclaim this truth to the world. God calls us to be His hands and feet, ministering hope, love, and the good news of salvation to those who may feel under threat, just as Jesus faced in His early years. His story is our story—a story of redemption prevailing over despair, of hope arising from fear.
Final Thoughts
The story of who wanted to kill baby Jesus, primarily represented by King Herod, serves as a dramatic reminder of the opposition that Jesus faced from the very start of His life. Yet, in this darkness, we see the light of hope through the obedience of Mary, Joseph, and the wise men. Their faith exemplifies how God leads, protects, and provides, even in the midst of perilous moments.
This narrative highlights the ultimate assurance that God has a plan, even when we face situations that appear insurmountable. We must remember that God works through us and around us, turning what the enemy intends for evil into good. We are called to seek God, react to His guidance, and protect those around us, just as Jesus was protected by His earthly family.
As we continue our walks of faith, may we be inspired by the unwavering commitment and obedience shown in this story, and may it encourage us to trust in God’s ultimate plan for our lives, a plan full of hope and redemption.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4