Matthew 2:16-18
This is not a story that we normally include in the Christmas pageant. It hasn't made it into too many Christmas carols. It isn't the scene on the front of many Christmas cards. I am struck by Herod's humanistic worldview. Maybe Matthew didn't intend for this but the narrative moves from angels to Herod blaming the Magi, as if he can't see God's hand in any of this and as if Herod alone can control the outcome.
We learn some more about Herod here. The power that he holds is tenuous and he feels very insecure - he is threatened by a baby or toddler. Of course, I don't completely understand the culture of the time. I do know that it was common practice for kings to completely erradicate the lineage of their rivals. However, the rest of the historical record makes it clear that Herod was especially desperate, insecure and ruthless.
Matthew again speaks to the legitimacy of Jesus' claim to the throne by showing how desperate Herod was to get rid of him and by tying the events of Jesus' life to prophecy. Matthew, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, sees the fulfillment of prophecy in the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem and vicinity. Matthew includes the poetic prophecy in his account of the nativity: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." Makes it a bit hard to say "Merry Christmas" after that.
I am amazed at the depravity of humanity that can cause so much pain and hurt in the middle of something so good and wonderful. I shouldn't be - it's the theme of the story. We ruined the Garden and now we ruin the coming of the Messiah. At first it might seem hopeless but then I remember that God removed his Son from the area and hope is still alive. This story still brings up some hard questions, though.
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1 comment:
Yeah, it woould be interesting to have cards with children slain on the front, I don't think Hallmark will quite go for that. It is interesting though that a King would be threatened by a toddler. Also it is neat that God sends his son to save the world, and yet then and now so many of us don't get it and we continue to blame each other and kill each other, when will we allow God to restore us like he wants to. May we be agents to his restoration process now.
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