Herod the Great was given the title “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate in 40 BC. There were several problems with this title: First, Herod was only half Jewish and second, there already was a “King of the Jews” in Jerusalem at the time. Once appointed “King of the Jews,” Herod was run out of Jerusalem and forced to turn to the Romans to help him take back the city. After three years of war, Herod returned to rule once again. For the remainder of his reign, Herod sought to win the acceptance of his people by rebuilding the temple, helping during a famine, and even cutting taxes. At the same time, his fear of losing his position drove him to exercise his power and control with gruesome force. Over time, Herod became paranoid, untrusting and violently erratic. 

In Matthew 2, we learn that he heard that the true King of the Jews had been born. Therefore, His position was challenged once again. The only way to truly control the situation was to be sure the Messiah would not live to threaten his crown. Herod ordered every male child in Bethlehem that was 2 years old and under to be killed. In the end, Jesus escaped. God was in control and Herod was not.

God protected baby Jesus by giving the wise men a dream to not return to Herod (v. 12) and by sending an angel to tell Joseph to bring his family to Egypt (vv. 13–14). The wise men and Joseph responded in obedience to God. Through these vessels of communication God had redirected and protected Jesus to fulfill the plans He had for redemption.

• What areas in your life that you need to release control of your plan and surrender to the plans God has for you?
• How can you seek out obedience and submission to God’s plan?