Question
King of the Jews
Matthew 2:1-12
Key Verse 2
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
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Read verses 1 - 2. Where did Magi come from? Why do they come to Jerusalem? (2) What does “King of the Jews” mean? What does “his star” refer to? (Numbers 24:17) What do you think these verses show about the Magi?
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Read verses 3 - 6. What happens when Herod hears the news from the Magi? (3, 4) What does the fulfillment of a prophecy indicate about Jesus? (5, Micah 5:2) What does the term "shepherd" mean to the people of Israel? (6) What does the term “shepherd” tell us about Jesus? (Psalms 23:1-6)
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Read verses 7 - 8. What does King Herod do? (7, 8) What do you think his effort reveals about him?
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Read verses 9 - 12. How were the Magi led to Jesus? (9) What happened to the Magi when they saw the star? (10) What did they do upon arriving at the house where Jesus was born? (11) What do you think about their actions here? What happened after they met Jesus? (12)
Manuscript
Message
WHERE IS THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN BORN KING OF THE JEWS?
Matthew 2:1-12
Key Verse 2:2
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
“Where” is one of the most fundamental questions that man asks; it goes to the very heart of man’s existence and purpose of man’s life. “Where did I come from?” “Where am I going?” “Where can I find something or someone to devote my life to?” “Where” is so vitally important for man to answer. In today’s passage we meet the Magi who travelled a long, long distance because they were trying to find where the King of the Jews was, so that they could worship Him. They were looking for the object of their worship. Every person, including us, is looking for someone to worship and to devote our lives to, but where do we find him? Today’s passage teaches us where we can find the One who has been born king of the Jews. And in so doing it teaches us who the king of the Jews is.
Look at verses 1-4.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 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. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘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.’”
The Magi went to Jerusalem to seek the king of the Jews because that was the most logical place to find him. Probably they thought that palace in Jerusalem was the place of the king of the Jews. But what they heard was totally different. They were told it was not Jerusalem but Bethlehem.
What is the difference between Jerusalem and Bethlehem? Jerusalem is the city of prominence. The name “Jerusalem” is repeated more than 600 times in the old testament. Ever since king David made it his own city it has been the center of Israel’s political and religious and civil activities for all the Israel people. At the time where the Magi visited it was the capital city where king Herod was. So it was logical for Magi to visit Jerusalem as the place where the king of the Jews was born when they lost their star. But what they heard was ‘Bethlehem’.
Somehow Bethlehem never rose to its prominence in Israel’s history. The only two things the bible records for Bethlehem was it was the place of romance between Ruth and Boaz, and it is the birth place of king David. It is true that Bethlehem was never prominent place. Bethlehem was small among the clans of Judah. And it was regarded as one of the least among the towns.
But the king of the Jews was born in Bethlehem rather than Jerusalem. It shows ‘who the king of the Jews’ was. The king of the Jews is the one who wants to identify himself with least people rather than prominent people.
The king of the Jews was not born in the place of ‘prominence’ or ‘greatness’. He was born in the least town of Judah.
The king of the Jews was born in ‘Bethlehem’ and he is the Messiah. And the Messiah pays attention to small things, small events, small activity, small people, or even least people. Long time ago one man was preparing the message based on John 1:41 “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ)”. But he had a big trouble because he could not make any progress and his message was so miserable. So he despaired so much and lied down in a room just the night before delivering the message. In his deep despair, he heard the Messiah’s whispering. “Do you know why I am the Messiah? I am the Messiah because I pay attention to the small things, little things people do not pay attention to.” With that revelation the Messiah showed him the very little things he prepared for his message which he thought was completely useless. So he began to work on his message based on the very little thing he had and delivered the message. Amazingly one of his friends said it was the best message ever.
So the king of the Jews was the Messiah, and he reminds us of the story of Jesus’ feeding 5,000 people with ‘the five small barley loaves and two small fish”. John 6:8-9 reads, “Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Andrew knew it was small loves and small fish. So he said, ‘five small barley loaves and two small fish’ and he said, ‘how far will they go among so many?” But Jesus took it and fed 5,000 people with it. Jesus is the Messiah who paid attention the small barley loves and small fish. And he is the king of the Jews.
The meaning of the word “Bethlehem” is ‘House of Bread.’ “It is not the house of stake’ or ‘house of chocolate’ or ‘house of pancake.’ It is ‘house of bread.’ Bread refers to common food. It is the most plain but essential food. Indeed Jesus identified himself as the bread of life when he declared in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
The king of the Jews is like bread. Everyone has to eat and everyone will be satisfied.
So the king of the Jews was born ‘in the house of bread’. “House of bread” refers to common people rather than rich people. It can refer to insignificant people or even ‘least people’.
When the king of the Jews, the greatest king ever, the king of kings and lord of lords was born, people would expect such places like Rome or Jerusalem or New York or Los Angeles. But he was born in ‘Bethlehem’, the place of common people, the place of non prominent people or even the place of least people.
“Bethlehem”, the least town of Judah, reminds us of the story of Mephibosheth. When we studied the book of Samuel, Lani was deeply moved by the story of how David treated Mephibosheth. She felt she was like Mephibosheth. He was a crippled son of Jonathon. His grandfather Saul was trying to kill David but he died with his father Jonathon in battle. Now David became king. If David were an ordinary man he could have started to execute all the male descendants of Saul. But he did not do so. He said in 2 Samuel 9:3, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul whom I can show God’s kindness?”
David said, ‘God’s kindness’. What is God’s kindness? It means God’s mercy. What is God’s kindness and mercy? It is kindness to the undeserved people. It is the kindness even for the ungrateful and wicked. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreated you. Lend to those from whom you do not expect repayment and then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” (Luke 6:27-36)
Mephibosheth was a crippled man and he did not deserve David’s kindness. But king David wanted to show God’s kindness and Mephibosheth was invited to the king’s table. Who is not like Mephibosheth?
Who are we? Are we better than Mephibosheth? Once we were all enemies of the Messiah. Once we all shouted, ‘crucify him! Crucify him!’ to the king of the Jews. So he was crucified under the name, “Jesus of Nazareth, king of the Jews.” Are we better than Mephibosheth? No, but why are we loved by God and favored by God so much that the king of the Jews gave his own life to save us? It is because he identified himself with us. He had great mercy on us instead of us. He could do so because he identified himself with us, sinners. So when he was crucified he was crucified as a sinner. When he was crucified he was crucified as ‘the king of the Jews.’
Who can be proudly said before God, “I am better than Mephibosheth”? Who? No one. We all needs God’s kindness like Mephibosheth all the days our life. And the king of the Jews will show God’s kindness to us without limit because he identified himself with us.
Before Apostle Paul met the king of the Jews his name was ‘Saul’ which means ‘great’. But after he met the king of the Jews he changed his name to Paul which means ‘small’. He realized that he is small before the king of the Jews and furthermore the king of the Jews identified himself with small people.
Once disciples of Jesus argued about ‘who is the greatest among them.” Then this is what Jesus did in Luke 9:46-48 “[46] An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. [47] Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. [48] Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
Bethlehem was ‘the least among the towns of Judah’, but the king of the Jews was born in Bethlehem. So it is no wonder that the king of the Jews pays attention to small things and small people or even least people.
Last night I was in the room at Children’s Bible center. I noticed that many people came to the center and prepared Christmas worship service today, and I was busy to prepare today’s message. When I needed to go out to take my dinner I found that there was one group bible study going on in the front entrance of the house. When I tried to go out through the living room area there was another group bible study. The first group bible study was led by missionary Mari and another group was among Korean women missionaries. But what amazed me was their cracking. They kept laughing so joyfully. I could hear their joyful laughter from both sides. It was busy night. But somehow these women coworkers made their time and gathered together and had fellowship with the word of God and with each other. They were small group and in a small place of the back house. But they were so happy and joyful. They kept laughing. I was moved by their devotion to the bible study. Most of all, I was moved by their joyful laughter. What made them so joyful? I believe it the none other than the presence of the king of the Jews, the Messiah. Jesus must have been present among them because he pays attention to small things such as small group bible studies. He must have blessed their bible studies and fellowship. I could see they were small meetings but there was great joy among them.
Around 10 pm I went back to the main sanctuary. At the parking lot all cars were gone except one car. I was going to lock the entrance door of the computer area thinking that all were gone. Then I heard some kind of sound. So out of curiosity I looked around. I found little Grace Oh in the dinning area. When I looked at the main sanctuary I could see missionary Peace Oh moving something. And I could see missionary Mariah Oh doing something on the entrance area of main sanctuary. I did not say ‘hello’ to them. But I could see they were doing something for Christmas worship service. Who could notice their work? They would do something but most people would not notice. But I could see the king of the Jews would notice because he pays attention to small things or even least things. Whatever they did last night was probably small things and many of us may not even notice of it but the Messiah pays attention to it.
About half a year ago, during a hot summer, I saw Anthony was painting children’s bible center. One day I saw him weeding out in the lowest part of wooden bars near the ground in order to paint better. In order to weep out he had to work in a very uncomfortable position. Who could notice such a small thing? Who could blame him when he did not weed out and still painted and it may not be perfect. He was doing all these things voluntarily without pay. So who can complain? When I saw how much he was faithful to such a small job under hot weather, I was deeply moved. To my eyes he was a great man. And I am sure he is great man in the sight of the king of the Jews because the Messiah pays attention to small things or even least things. When he moves around microphones it is so natural as if he was born to do it. But when I tried to do so it is not so natural.
The king of the Jews pays attention to us even though we may be the least. Do you feel you are small? Do you feel you are troubled? Do you feel you are lonely? Do you feel that no one understands you and no one is around you? But there is one person who is with you and who pays attention to you. There is one person who identifies himself with you. He is the king of the Jews, the Messiah, and the shepherd. According to today’s passage the king of the Jews would shepherd God’s people.
Shepherding was so essential for the lives of Israel but the job was poor men’s job in Jesus’ days. It was not the prominent job. Shepherds did not have credit. So their testimonies were not even accepted in their courts. But the king of the Jews identified himself as the shepherd according to God’s prophecy. Indeed he shepherds over his people. King David sang a beautiful song about his shepherd in Psalm chapter 23. Let’s us read responsibly.
Psalm 23.
“[1] The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Are you looking for someone you want to worship? Are you looking for someone to whom you want to give your whole life? Where can you find him? It is not Jerusalem but Bethlehem. It is not the prominent town but the least down. The king of the Jews identified himself with the least people instead of prominent people. He is our Messiah and our shepherd. He deserves our worship and devotion. Where can we find him? Again in Bethlehem, small people, small things and small events, little things, little help, and the place where you think insignificant. There you will find your king and your Messiah and your shepherd.
Matthew 25:34-45
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
Where can we find the king of the Jews? The place where least of these brothers and sisters is because the king identified himself with them.
One word: WHERE IS THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN BORN KING OF THE JEWS?
Manuscript
Biblenote
King of the Jews
Matthew 2:1-12
Key Verse 2
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Introduction
Overall Matthew emphasizes in this book that Jesus is the true King and is the long-awaited Messiah, foretold in the Old Testament. He wanted to correct the Jews’ political concept of the Messiah. He taught based on the Scriptures that the Messiah would become the glorious King. That being said, we would like to study this passage to see who Jesus truly is and how to worship him properly.
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Read verses 1 - 2. Where did Magi come from? Why do they come to Jerusalem? (2) What does “King of the Jews” mean? What does “his star” refer to? (Numbers 24:17) What do you think these verses show about the Magi?
1-1, Read verses 1 - 2.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
1-2, Where did Magi come from?
Magi, traditionally called "Wise Men," supposedly lived in ancient Persia. They were ancient astrologers who were highly regarded as great scholars and kingly people. In ancient times, many believed that a man's destiny was determined by the star under which he was born. They devoted to astrology, divination, and the interpretation of dreams. They could have learned about what the Scripture had to say about Jesus from Jewish captives(descendants) in Babylonian empire.
1-3, Why do they come to Jerusalem? (2)
They were truth seekers who wanted not only to know the truth, but to follow the truth. When they found that the king of the Jews had been born, they made a long journey to Jerusalem to find him. Upon finding him, they wanted to worship him.
1-4, What does “King of the Jews” mean?
They must have heard the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah concerning the Messiah, the Savior of the world, handed down by word of mouth.
The king of the Jews would be a shepherd of his people just as King David was a shepherd king who ruled the people of Israel with compassion and love.
He protected his own people risking his own life. Jesus came into this world as our shepherd king.
A shepherd king protects his people. A shepherd king provides for his people. A shepherd king loves and serves his people like a father.
1-5, What does “his star” refer to? (Numbers 24:17)
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth
1-6, What do you think these verses show about the Magi?
**The Magi followed their desire to worship God. They were willing to sacrifice to worship God. They were hungry and thirsty for God; nothing less would satisfy them.
On the outside, they looked noble and dignified. They were well educated and highly honored. But things of the world could not satisfy them. Only God could satisfy them.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” - Psalm 42:1-2
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” - Matthew 4:10
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” - Deuteronomy 6:5
**These Magi wanted to worship God. This was their motive in coming. They had left their homeland, and had made a long and dangerous journey, spending much money, to find the one they could worship.
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Read verses 3 - 6. What happens when Herod hears the news from the Magi? (3, 4) What does the fulfillment of a prophecy indicate about Jesus? (5, Micah 5:2) What does the term "shepherd" mean to the people of Israel? (6) What does the term “shepherd” tell us about Jesus? (Psalms 23:1-6)
2-1, Read verses 3 - 6.
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 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. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘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.’”
2-2, What happens when Herod hears the news from the Magi? (3, 4)
King Herod who was an Edomite was lucky to rule Israel from 37 B.C. to 4 B.C. He was known as Herod the Great. He put his priority on securing his political power, resulting in tragedy. He executed his own sons for conspiracy, and many innocent people perished with them.
When Herod heard from the Magi that the king of the Jews had been born, he was not happy. Rather, Herod thought that the baby Jesus was a threat to his kingship, and he was disturbed.
When he was disturbed, all Jerusalem was disturbed with him. “When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.”
Herod already knew about the Christ, and that the Bible was the place to learn more. So he called Jerusalem’s Bible teachers. His motive was not to worship Jesus, but to eliminate Jesus.
The religious leaders knew the answer precisely, based on the Scriptures. The Christ would be born in Bethlehem, just a few miles from Jerusalem.
The religious leaders were so near the birthplace of Christ. But they made no effort to go there. What a great contrast with the Magi!
2-3, What does the fulfillment of a prophecy indicate about Jesus? (5, Micah 5:2)
“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.”
The prophecy of Micah was the prophecy concerning the birth of the Messiah, the spiritual King. Therefore, the king whom the Magi called, "the king of the Jews," had nothing to do with the political king. But Herod had no spiritual understanding.
2-4, What does the term "shepherd" mean to the people of Israel? (6)
In verse 6, the verb "rule" does not have any political meaning.
Rather ruling is the same as shepherding. Shepherding means caring for sheep.
Jesus said in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
1Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
It is the best news to everybody that Jesus came to be the shepherd of his people.
2-5, What does the term “shepherd” tell us about Jesus? (Psalms 23:1-6)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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Read verses 7 - 8. What does King Herod do? (7, 8) What do you think his effort reveals about him?
3-1, Read verses 7 - 8.
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.8 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.”
3-2, What does King Herod do? (7, 8)
He called the Magi secretly to find out the exact time the star appeared. He sounds like a good worshipper. But he was addicted to power.
3-3, What do you think his effort reveals about him?
He had evil intention behind the scene. He wanted to kill Jesus to eliminate his political enemy. He was capable, cruel, and crafty(3 C’s).
So far the two Kings, Herod and Jesus, merely “crossed paths” is way too mild.
According to a fundamental law of physics, the force of impact depends upon speed and direction.
Jesus and Herod were both moving fast, but from totally opposite directions. King Herod represented the popular perspective on power: Get it, keep it, use it. King Jesus used power to serve others.
No wonder the two kings clashed. They both possessed power, but how they chose to use it.
One was a tyrant, the other a servant. One was consumed with self-interest, the other focused on pleasing God and serving others.
One manipulated, slandered, deceived, and coerced; the other healed, touched, taught, and loved.
Herod the Great was totally bankrupt as a human being. He was addicted to power.
**In the final year of his life, his body was infected with disease; his pain was so bad that he often screamed throughout the night.
Jesus, after a life of poverty and lowly position, and He also died. But there was a critical difference.
Jesus willingly suffered by religious leaders, rejection of many people, the betrayals of friends, the beatings, and His death; all for a single purpose: to demonstrate God’s outrageous love.
If we take a hard look inside, we will see little Herods especially when I would rather rule, than serve or what I want to take rather than on what I can give; when I’d rather be honored, than look for ways to honor others.
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Read verses 9 - 12. How were the Magi led to Jesus? (9) What happened to the Magi when they saw the star? (10) What did they do upon arriving at the house where Jesus was born? (11) What do you think about their actions here? What happened after they met Jesus? (12)
4-1, Read verses 9 - 12.
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
4-2, How were the Magi led to Jesus? (9)
The star they had seen appeared again and led them to the place where the baby, Jesus was placed.
4-3, What happened to the Magi when they saw the star? (10)
Finally they met God in the baby Jesus, and were overjoyed. Their joy came when they saw the baby Jesus who came to this world to save men from their sins.
**True joy comes to those who seek Jesus with all their hearts and strength. The Magi were overjoyed because God confirmed through the star that they had made a right choice to seek and worship baby Jesus.
**Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Imagine! Magi in kingly costumes with beards came to worship the baby Jesus. They had everything--honor, wealth and great learning. Still they were on a pilgrimage to worship the baby Jesus.
The Wise Men from the east came to express their love for the baby Jesus, who came to this world as the Messiah of the world.
**Their a decision of faith, and perseverance through trial get paid off. In the end it gives them overflowing joy.
**Around the world, we can see so many missionaries who have left everything to follow Jesus. Their lives are full of sufferings and trials.
However, they are most blessed and most happy, and they laugh a lot like the name of Isaac in Genesis.
*On the other hand, people who seek selfish pleasure and benefit spend most of their time complaining in bitterness and die in regret.
4-4, What did they do upon arriving at the house where Jesus was born? (11)
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.
4-5, What do you think about their actions here?
They were not disappointed with humble status of Jesus. Rather they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him.
God Himself must have had inspired them for their offerings:
The Gold - presented to the infant King - represented His royalty.
Frankincense (an expensive resin that was used in religious offerings) spoke of His divinity.
Myrrh (another expensive resin that was used in embalming) represented His death for us.
They offered as an adoration for the King of kings.
4-6, What happened after they met Jesus? (12)
They were instructed by the Lord to not go to Herod.
In conclusion
In this busy society we are encouraged to be like Herod the Great. However we are supposed to live differently like our King Jesus Christ who is the merciful ruler and the good shepherd. Daily we have a choice to be like either Herod or Jesus. May the Lord help us to be like the Magi who set a good example to love and worship Jesus, the King of kings. In this way daily may we share great joy with others. Amen.
One word: King of kings!