Why Did Herod Want to Kill Jesus?
Today we will talk about why Herod wanted to kill Jesus. This story is not just a historical event; it resonates deeply with our understanding of Jesus’s mission on earth. Many Christians do not know the layers of meaning behind Herod’s actions. As we reflect on Scripture, let’s set our minds to ponder why someone like Herod, a king, saw a newborn baby as a threat. Join me in this biblical journey as we gather insights from God’s Word.
The Historical Background of Herod
To better understand Herod’s intentions, we should first look at who he was and the environment in which he operated. Herod the Great was appointed as King of Judea by the Romans around 37 BC and ruled until his death in 4 BC. Known for his ambitious building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, he was also notorious for his cruelty and paranoia. Herod’s reign was characterized by suspicion of rivals and a relentless desire to maintain control, which can be seen in his harsh treatment of anyone he perceived as a threat. This historical lens shapes our understanding of why he felt compelled to act against Jesus.
Herod’s very name originates from the Greek word “Ἡρώδης” (Hērōdēs), which carries connotations of a fierce warrior. His reign was steeped in insecurity, often reflecting the nature of a ruler who would go to extreme lengths, even the most horrific ones, to maintain his personal power and position. This deep-seated need for control can be directly linked to the fear he experienced when he learned of Jesus’s birth through the visit of the wise men.
The collective mindset of the Jewish people at the time also plays into this scenario. Under Roman rule, they were yearning for a messiah—someone who would rescue them from oppression. This political and spiritual craving profoundly influenced how leaders like Herod reacted to perceived threats. Being steeped in anxieties about power and allegiance, Herod not only feared losing his throne to a potential contender but also worried about the messianic implications of Jesus’ arrival.
The tension between Herod and Jesus can be summarized well in Matthew 2:1-3 (ESV): “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.” The arrival of the wise men created an immediate threat to Herod’s power, as they were seeking to honor a new king.
As we travel through this subject, another important aspect to consider is how Herod’s actions contrasted sharply with those of the wise men, who sought to worship Jesus instead of fearing Him. While they brought gifts, understanding that Jesus was more than just a political figure, Herod wanted nothing more than to eliminate Him, as he perceived this newborn as a rival.
All these factors culminate in Herod’s drastic decision to take action against Jesus, illustrating how fear and insecurity can push a person toward extreme, often violent decisions.
Herod’s Fear of Losing Power
Herod’s desire to kill Jesus stemmed from a deeply-rooted fear of losing his power. In the world of kingship and governance, power is fragile and often requires constant nurturing. As such, even a child born in the small town of Bethlehem could pose a threat. Herod’s fear was not misplaced; he had witnessed uprisings and plotted coups throughout his reign. Notably, he had even killed family members whom he deemed potential usurpers. This pattern of behavior reflects an individual whose rule was maintained by intimidation and ruthless actions.
Matthew 2:16 (NIV) articulates Herod’s psychological state: “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.” Such a reaction underscores that Herod was prepared to act ruthlessly to eliminate any challenge to his authority.
Herod’s perception of Jesus as a rival king magnified his fear, despite the reality that Jesus’s kingdom was of a different nature altogether. Jesus himself mentions this in John 18:36 (NIV): “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.'” Here, we see a stark contrast between earthly kingship, represented by Herod, and the divine kingship embodied in Jesus.
Moreover, this fear of losing power is relatable in our lives. We often fear change because we feel secure within our routines and status quo, even when they may not serve us well. This psychological aspect of fear can lead us to make unwise decisions, just as it did with Herod.
To further illustrate this theme of leadership and fear, consider Scripture in Proverbs 29:25 (NIV): “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Herod trusted his power more than the divine order set in place by God.
The consequences of Herod’s misguided fear resulted in tragedy and loss of innocent life, showcasing how unresolved fears can lead to destructive behaviors that echo down the generations. When we allow fear to reign in our lives, as it did in Herod’s, we risk making choices that betray our values and harm those around us.
The Role of Prophecy
The prophetic elements surrounding Jesus’s birth and Herod’s reaction cannot be overlooked. From the Old Testament, the prophets foretold the coming of a new king—a Messiah who would change the world. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) tells us, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Such prophecies generated anticipation and fear, as they were loaded with potential political ramifications.
When Herod became aware of the Magi’s inquiry about the “king of the Jews,” the tension between his fears and the prophecy led him to take extreme measures. In Micah 5:2 (NIV), it’s also foretold, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Herod was evidently aware of these prophecies and understood that they pointed toward the significance of Jesus.
Herod’s reaction reveals a broader theme: the struggle between divine will and human ambition. In trying to subvert God’s plan, he unwittingly became a catalyst for its fulfillment. John 1:11 (NIV) states, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” Herod represents not just an inconsolable villain in the grand story of redemption but a cautionary example of what happens when human power collides with divine prophecy.
Throughout history, we often see how the prophecies, whether seen or unseen, can evoke fear within leaders. The prophecy led Herod to believe he had to act against his best interest to safeguard his throne, ultimately leading to death and sorrow in Bethlehem. The loss felt by the families affected became part of what Jesus would later endure—a harrowing foreshadowing of the kingdom’s ultimate sacrifice.
This puts us in a position to reflect on our understanding of God’s promises for our lives. Are we like Herod, clinging to our fear and power, or can we embrace the thrilling chaos of divine intervention?
The Wise Men and Their Response
Another layer to consider in this story is the behavior of those who came seeking Jesus—the wise men, or Magi. Their purpose was to honor Jesus, which starkly contrasts Herod’s intentions. The Magi were likely scholars and astrologers from the East who saw the star and followed it, demonstrating a positive attitude toward Jesus despite the threat that He posed to Herod’s kingship.
As we read in Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV), “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” These gifts symbolized acknowledgment of Jesus’s uniqueness and divine identity, traits that Herod failed to recognize due to his focus on earthly power and authority.
The Greek term for worship in this setting is “προσκυνέω” (proskyneo), which connotes an act of reverence and submission. In their action of bowing down before the Christ child, the Magi exemplified a response of humility and recognition. Their worship stands in stark contrast to Herod’s antagonistic stance, highlighting two different paths in responding to Jesus—acceptance and rejection.
As the wise men departed from Bethlehem, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, emphasizing that divine guidance can intersect with human choice. This leads us to consider our own responses to God’s invitations in our lives. Like the wise men, we are called to seek Jesus and worship Him. Their reaction to Jesus can serve as a model for our spiritual journeys.
The Magi also show us the importance of following God, even when the path seems perilous. They were fulfilling prophecies and always willing to trust God’s leading. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) showcases this sentiment: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
As we reflect on their story, we can choose to be among those who worship and recognize Jesus as worthy, leading to joy and purpose in our lives—unlike Herod, whose life ended in paranoia and judgment.
In conclusion, examining the motivations behind Herod’s desire to kill Jesus reveals a complex interplay of power, fear, prophecy, and contrasting attitudes toward the divine. Herod, consumed by insecurity, became a harbinger of tragedy, while the wise men exemplified a loving, faithful response to God’s great gift of Jesus.
Final Thoughts
This beautiful story unfolds the stark reality of fear, power, and response toward Christ. Herod’s tragic decisions, driven by the fear of losing control, remind us that anxiety can lead us to darkness if we aren’t careful. On the other hand, the wise men showcased a path of reverence and trust in God, pointing towards a hopeful future.
As we navigate our daily lives, we too face choices that reflect our responses to Jesus. Will we act from a place of fear, seeking to hold onto what we believe is ours? Or will we lean into faith and allow God to guide us toward His plan? Each decision can lead us closer to Him or drive us away, just as it did in Herod’s case.
Ultimately, understanding Herod’s motivations is more than learning a historical lesson; it’s about viewing how we respond to Jesus in our own lives. Let us choose to worship wisely and hold onto trust, following our calling to embrace His truth.
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