Star of Wonder: 5-Days of Advent to Illuminate the People, Places, and Purpose of the First ChristmasSample

At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Jews’ longing for Messiah’s arrival had never been stronger.

Since 63 BC, Judea had been one of Rome’s client kingdoms. The Romans installed Herod the Great as king, and he reigned until 4 BC. After Herod’s death, his sons ruled different areas of Judea, but Rome maintained control.

The Romans, who were polytheists and quite willing to accommodate the religious beliefs of other cultures, did not know what to make of the monotheistic Jews. They expected the Jews to politely acknowledge the Roman gods and were offended when the Jews refused to do so.

The Jews, on the other hand, resented Rome’s military occupation, taxation, and its meddling with the office of high priest. The Romans even retained custody of the high priest’s sacred garments except for when needed for annual rituals. Though the Romans didn’t require the Jews to worship Caesar, they did require the people to offer prayers and sacrifices for the emperor.

What the Jews did not expect was one Messiah and two appearances—the first as a helpless baby who arrived through a virgin’s womb and came to suffer and die, the second (and still future) as conquering king who would descend through the clouds to reign over His creation.

They wanted a warrior-king Messiah who would form an army and march against Rome to deliver His people from subjugation. As Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead, people pointed to the miracles as proof of His authority to rule. What a king He would be! When soldiers were wounded in battle, Jesus could heal them, even bring them back to life. If they hungered, He could miraculously supply food. If the environment worked against Jewish forces, Jesus could change the weather with a word.

This is one reason why so many Jews of Jesus’ day did not recognize Him. The suffering man on the cross wasn’t the Messiah they were expecting . . . or even the one they wanted.

Who is He to you?