HEARD AT CHRISTMAS: Antagonists

Antagonists…the bad guys of the story. Typically not everyone’s favorite (The heroes reserve that spot.). Even Jesus had antagonists, and as we will see in Matthew 2 today—Jesus had antagonists from the very time of his birth.

So, what do Jesus’ antagonists say & do on that historical first Christmas? What does this show us about Jesus? What encouragement can we find after what we will see and hear today?

These antagonists are:

Herod

All Jerusalem [Much like Matthew 21.10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in an uproar, saying, “Who is this?”]

Chief Priests & Scribes

Antagonists… when they speak that first Christmas, we hear them…

WORRYING

HEROD—

A Perceived Political Rival (Matt. 2.3-4)

His position and power “were” being threatened. [History tells us that Herod was a self-important, paranoid, power-hoarder]

He ASKED, “Where would the Christ (Messiah) be born?”

ALL JERUSALEM—

An Anticipated Threat to Life (Matt. 2.3)

Against themselves (from Herod…which was consistent with his character…& proved to be true for some in this situation)

From themselves (to Jesus…as would be the case in about 30 years)

CHIEF PRIESTS AND SCRIBES—

A Perceived Religious Rival (Matt. 2.4-6)

Matthew’s use of συναγαγὼν (“assembled;” synagogue) for Herod calling the chief priests and scribes to advise him…could be a foreshadowing of their group-hate of Jesus. [Matthew will use this word, instead of the one for assembly, when he writes of the chief priests and scribes who pursue Jesus’ crucifixion.]

DECEIVING

HEROD—

A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (Matt. 2.7-8)

((At least he was trying to wear sheep’s clothing in this case.))

Lying, Manipulating. [I’m not one to buy into conspiracy theories…I just know that the Bible talks about those who are not genuine Christ followers who often try to infiltrate or commandeer the faithful for ungodly purposes; the reason for this deception would prove deadly.]

REJECTING

HEROD—

((Context: God knows all about the reason for Herod’s treachery! [Matt. 2.13]; “to search for the child to kill him”))

A Murderous Rejection. (Matt. 2.16-18)

“The slaughter of the innocents” = Matt. 2.16-18; “orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under;” involved around 12-20 boys [This event doesn’t register on the historians contemporary to the events (Herod’s severe reputation likely makes this a “small matter”), but the event is important to God (…and therefore should be to us [and any such like it today!]).

ALL JERUSALEM & THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND SCRIBES—

They are overshadowed here, but down the road we hear…

A Later Murderous Rejection.

Matthew 27.20-23 “The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” “Barabbas!” they answered. Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all answered, “Crucify him!” Then he said, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they kept shouting all the more, “Crucify him!”” [Their intent is murderous.]

CONCL—

Jesus’ antagonists…from the beginning of his earthly life, not just his ministry time. AND…he reminds us:

John 15.18-21 ““If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they don’t know the one who sent me.”

Sooo much to be mindful of here… “A servant is not greater than his master.”

Matthew 2:18 CSB

A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.

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