“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him …” (Matthew 2:3).
The announcement of the birth of the King brought great joy to the wise men, so much so that they were willing to go to great lengths to meet Him. But what a difference with King Herod and the inhabitants of Jerusalem! In contrast to the Magi, they were greatly alarmed by this message.
King Herod was a cruel man who did not shy away from murdering potential heirs to the throne. And just when he thought he had secured his position, he was horrified to hear that the King of the Jews had been born.
But even the ordinary people of Jerusalem reacted in the same way. Did they not long for the coming of the Messiah? No, apparently they were not expecting Him at all.
They had got used to King Herod, and a new king would only mean civil war. Herod might take terrible measures against this King who would threaten his throne.
The inhabitants of Jerusalem preferred to remain under the yoke of this tyrant rather than place themselves under the banner of a promised King.
Do you know that we all have a choice? Have you already sided with King Jesus?
His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30).