King Herod, Episode 4 (12/1/2021)

Episode 4: King Herod

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled... he summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” Matthew 2:1-12

What do you mean there is a king in Jerusalem? I, King Herod, am the ONLY king in this land. No one is greater than me. No one will take my throne!

That was my reaction when I first heard about the newborn King of the Jews. I was jealous and angry. And I was ready to do anything to make sure no one took my throne. But I was wrong. I was afraid of this new king because I didn’t know him. I didn’t know that he would be a generous and loving king. I didn’t know that he would be a king that would die for me! I am sorry that I was afraid of him.

During these days of Advent, don’t be afraid of Jesus, your great King! Don’t be afraid of serving him, of following him, and letting him be king of your whole life! Don’t be afraid of following his commandments of love each day. Don’t be afraid to live your life the way he wants you to. Jesus, your king, only wants the best for you!

Lord Jesus, help us to accept you as king of our hearts. Help us not be afraid to let you guide and direct our lives. Please help us to know that your plans for us are good and that you really want the best for us. Amen.

Prayer Starter for Parents

God is good. He's really good. One of the best lessons we can teach our kids is how good God is, and that we can trust him. Like King Herod, we can get in trouble when we don't trust God or believe that he wants the best for us. Today's prayer starter is a single Scripture verse that reminds that everything God does is always good for us:

"We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him." (Romans 8:28) 

When you take a few minutes to pray with your kids today, start by reading this verse with them. Then go back to the words that are underlined to help it really sink in and pray with them:
Everything - Lord Jesus, that means you are good to me in every moment of my life. In every situation, in every season, whether I am sick or healthy, rich or poor, you are at work, actively doing things, busy making plans, working things out, for my good. Even when I don't feel it, help me to know that you are always at work for my good, because you love me so much! Amen.