Two Responses to the Birth of Jesus: Lessons from Herod and the Magi

The Christmas story is often seen as a celebration of joy, light, and hope. But nestled within the familiar narrative is a tale of two very different responses to the birth of Jesus—responses that invite us to reflect on our own hearts today. In Matthew 2, we meet King Herod and the Magi, two contrasting figures who encountered the news of Christ’s arrival in vastly different ways. Their stories reveal important lessons about pride, humility, and how we choose to respond to God’s revelation.

King Herod, often called “Herod the Great,” ruled with immense power and influence. Known for his impressive architectural achievements, including the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple and the fortress of Masada, Herod was a man obsessed with control and authority. However, beneath this veneer of greatness lay a deep insecurity and paranoia.

Herod’s position as king was not a result of royal lineage. He was an Idumean—an outsider to Jewish culture—who had been appointed to the throne by the Roman Senate. To solidify his claim, he married into a Jewish royal family, but this did little to ease his fears. The threat of losing his position plagued him, and his paranoia became so extreme that he executed members of his own family, including wives and sons, to eliminate perceived rivals.

So when the Magi arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2), Herod’s world was shaken. The very idea of a new “king” threatened the foundation of his identity and power. Instead of responding with curiosity or humility, Herod reacted with fear and hostility, launching a scheme to find and destroy this infant king.

Herod’s response to Jesus highlights three key dangers that can close our own hearts to God:

1. Misplaced Trust: Herod placed his trust in fragile sources of fulfillment—his political power, wealth, and control. When these were threatened, he grasped for control even more tightly. Similarly, when we rely on unstable foundations—like success, relationships, or status—we become defensive and resistant to God’s work in our lives.
2. Control and Anxiety: The more Herod tried to control his circumstances, the more anxious and paranoid he became. This is often true for us as well. When we resist God’s plans and rely solely on our own strength, we carry the burden of control—a burden too heavy for us to bear.
3. Fear of Change: Herod feared what the arrival of Jesus meant for his way of life. He saw the Christ child as a threat, not as a Savior. How often do we resist God because we fear the changes He might bring? We cling to the familiar, even if it’s broken, instead of embracing the renewal God offers.

Herod’s story serves as a warning. When we place our trust in the wrong things, become obsessed with control, or fear change, we can close ourselves off to God’s revelation. But there is another way.

In stark contrast to Herod, the Magi represent a heart posture of humility, curiosity, and openness to God. The Magi, sometimes referred to as “wise men,” were likely scholars or astrologers from Babylon or Persia. Though they were not Jewish, they were familiar with the ancient prophecies of a Messiah, likely passed down from the time when the Jewish people lived in exile.

When the Magi saw a star rise in the sky, they recognized it as a divine sign. Without hesitation, they set out on a 900-mile journey to seek the truth—a journey that was slow, dangerous, and costly. Their willingness to pursue this revelation, regardless of the hardships, sets them apart as true seekers of God.

The Magi’s journey reveals three key qualities that help us live with open, receptive hearts:

1. Humility and Curiosity: Unlike Herod, the Magi did not assume they had all the answers. Their humility made them open to discovering something greater than themselves. Curiosity fueled their willingness to explore, ask questions, and seek truth wherever it led.
   
   “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney
   
   
2. Pursuing Truth at All Costs: The Magi’s journey was not easy. Travel in ancient times was dangerous and expensive—by some estimates, their trip may have cost the modern equivalent of $100,000. Yet they were willing to pay the price to find the truth. This challenges us to ask: What are we willing to sacrifice to pursue God?
3. Discernment and Obedience: While the Magi were humble and open, they were also discerning. They recognized Herod’s deceit and obeyed God’s warning to return home by a different route. Their obedience demonstrates a trust in God’s guidance, even when it required a change in plans.

When the Magi finally arrived and saw Jesus, their response was profound: “They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). Their worship was wholehearted, and their gifts reflected their understanding of who Jesus was—King (gold), God (frankincense), and Savior (myrrh).

Herod and the Magi represent two paths we can take when we encounter Jesus. Herod chose resistance, fear, and control, closing his heart to the greatest gift the world has ever known. The Magi chose humility, curiosity, and worship, opening their hearts to God’s revelation.

The question we must ask ourselves is this: Which path are we on?

• Are we resisting God’s work in our lives because we fear what it might cost us?
• Are we so consumed with control that we’re missing the peace and joy that comes from trusting him?
• Or are we willing to seek God, even when it requires sacrifice and change?

The good news is that Jesus came not to oppose us, but to transform us. He invites us to let go of fear, pride, and control and to receive the hope, joy, and renewal he offers.

As we reflect on the Christmas story, let’s learn from both Herod and the Magi. Herod reminds us of the dangers of a closed heart, while the Magi inspire us to seek Jesus with openness and trust. Here are three practical steps to help us respond like the Magi:

1. Be Humble and Curious: Approach God with a heart that is open to learning and discovering more. Spend time in Scripture, prayer, and reflection, asking, “God, what do you want to show me?”
2. Pursue God’s Truth: Be willing to step out of your comfort zone to seek him. Whether it’s through joining a small group, serving others, or deepening your personal faith journey, commit to pursuing God, no matter the cost.
3. Trust and Obey: When God speaks, respond with trust and obedience. Like the Magi, be willing to follow him, even if it means taking a different path than you had planned.

The birth of Jesus is an invitation to each of us. It’s an invitation to let go of our need for control, to embrace humility and curiosity, and to seek the one who came to save us. This Christmas, may we respond not like Herod, but like the Magi—with hearts open, seeking, and ready to worship.

The question remains: How will you respond to Jesus today?