Christmas ViewpointSample

Herod, King of Suspicion

'When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”'

History proves that Herod’s sinister reputation as a tyrant was well deserved. Herod was haunted by insecurity, suspicion, and jealousy. He always looked over his shoulder at who might be after his power. He constantly feared a rebellion, which resulted in the sentence of execution on anyone he deemed a threat to his reign, including his first wife and three sons. His self-preservation led him to excessively tax his constituents to help support his economic programs and bolster his tyrannical reputation. The question of the birthplace of the King of the Jews by the Magi sent him in a tailspin of jealousy.

In his play Othello, Shakespeare describes jealousy as a 'green-eyed monster', inferring that jealousy’s grip will drive its victim mad and devour him if allowed to take over. The only way to overcome jealousy is through kind-heartedness. Both jealousy and kindness must be intentionally sought and cultivated, but the outcomes are distinctly different.

Herod’s legacy might be the amazing building projects of his day and shrewd political strategies, but he will always be known as a fallen king due to his jealousy.

Viewpoint Reflection

Think of a time when you were jealous. What led you to that feeling, and what was the result? What did you learn from it? How have you dealt with jealousy since that time? How have you intentionally applied kindheartedness in moments of jealousy?