Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1–18
Reflection
Have you ever been protective of something? Perhaps you are protective of your vehicle, ensuring it’s always washed, waxed, and shiny. You don’t want anyone but you touching it, and certainly no one else driving it. When you go to a store, you park far away from anybody so as not to get a dent from another car door. Maybe you are protective of your job. You know there’s somebody else who wants your job, so you make sure to do everything you can to hit your numbers, reach your goals, and make sure your boss knows how great a job you are doing. Or maybe you are protective of your children, wanting to make sure that they don’t get hurt and have great experiences. Whether one of these scenarios relates to you or not, each one of them deals with a sense of pride.
Today, we are looking at someone who allowed pride to take over his life, and he took murderous measures to protect what he felt was rightfully his. We are talking about King Herod. Herod was appointed tetrarch (a subordinate ruler) of Judea in 40 B.C. by Mark Antony and was given the title “King of the Jews” by the Roman Senate. He was known for his stern and cruel disposition, but he was also sly and crafty, as evidenced by the reports that he convinced Mark Antony to eliminate Antigonus, the former king of the Jews, so he could ascertain that title.
Herod enjoyed his status and position. In the land of the Jews, there was no one higher. So, when the wise men arrived with a message that they were searching for the King of the Jews, who had been prophesied about in the Old Testament, Herod was not about to let somebody take over his kingdom. His pride would not allow this, even for one claiming to be the Messiah. Would you?
It’s easy to answer that question on this side of history, but it’s actually one we face every day. At the heart of the gospel is a decision—a decision to surrender the desire to be our own little god for the one true God. Herod took extreme measures, having every child in the kingdom under the age of 2 killed to save his kingdom. While we may not take such extreme measures, all of us are tempted to prioritize our own interests over the freedom that comes from allowing Jesus to usher in His Kingdom. But when we see His goodness and experience His freedom, there is nothing better.
Reflection Questions
- What is something you feel protective over right now?
- How can pride—or insecurity—change the way we act or treat others?
- When has pride interfered with what God wanted to do in your life?
- What steps can help you release pride and allow Jesus to rule in your heart?
Application
- Acknowledge your sinfulness. Confess pride honestly to God.
- Serve someone intentionally. Pride shrinks when we practice humility.
- Use your blessings to bless others. Pride hoards—humility gives.
Additional Scripture for Deeper Study
- Micah 5:1–6
- Ezekiel 34:20–24
- Mark 10:17–31
Family Activity
Cut out two hearts for each child. On the first, write a prideful statement; on the second, a humble one.
- Tear each prideful heart in half and read: “God opposes the proud…” (James 4:6)
- Read each humble heart and complete the verse: “…but gives grace to the humble.” Discuss how humility reflects Jesus to others.