CHRISTMAS2 - Contrast of Kings

Matthew 2:1–3 KJV 1900

Now when Jesus was born in Beth-lehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Many people believe that these men were kings based on:

Psalm 72:11 KJV 1900

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: All nations shall serve him.

If we look at how the word wise men is used in Esther

Esther 1:13 KJV 1900

Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

At the very least, these men helped the king to rule.

Many people have different reactions to Jesus

Joy vs. Trouble

Matthew 2:10 KJV 1900

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Matthew 2:3 KJV 1900

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Worship vs Kill

Matthew 2:2 KJV 1900

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Matthew 2:16 KJV 1900

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Beth-lehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Givers vs. Takers

Matthew 2:11 KJV 1900

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:4 KJV 1900

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.