Christianity born under oppression

Christianity was born under oppression

When Jesus was born—the founder, leader, and head of the church—King Herod tried to kill him.

The innocent wisemen asked King Herod, “where is he that is born king of the Jews?” King Herod apparently left the wisemen without showing his real reaction to such a provocative question.

Matthew (2) tells us that the question disturbed King Herod. A king of the Jews has been born? That is not good, not acceptable, not tolerable.

King Herod considered himself the king of the Jews—he ruled over them, provided for them, protected them, subordinated them, and punished them. Although he was from another country, Idumea, he has been ruling over them for decades. How then can a king of the Jews be born?

Any other king was an instant threat. And King Herod took no threat, no competition, and no compromise. History tells us that Herod the Great, King Herod, was very intolerant with threats, even from his own family. He killed some family members: including one of his own son and wife. Because they revealed too much interest in ruling with him. Loyalty and submission were treasured.

Therefore, any king of the Jews will rival his authority and that was unacceptable. From previous lessons, the Jews knew that if Herod was disturbed that was trouble for them. Hence, Matthew said, “all Jerusalem,” was troubled with King Herod.

Totally enraged, King Herod summoned the Jewish leaders to his court. He asked them where the king of the Jews would be born. They knew the prophetic Scripture. So, they told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea” as declared by the prophet Micah (5:2).

Cloaked in respect and secrecy, King Herod went back to his visitors and informed them that the King of the Jews can be found in Bethlehem. He requested that the wisemen return and inform him about the exact location of the king of the Jews so that he can go and pay homage also. His deportment of interest and empathetic concern must have fooled the wisemen.

However, God instructed the wisemen not to return to Jerusalem but to travel a different route to their home.

When Herod realized the wisemen would not return, his fury boiled over. For he had no way to identify the newborn King. He took an outrageous decline. He instructed his men to kill all babies, two years old and under, in Bethlehem and the surrounding communities.

God, however, took the child from Bethlehem before Herod’s men entered.

King Herod tried to kill the infant King, Saviour, and founder of the church. He tried to eliminate possible threats and competitions. He had no idea about the King’s mission; He wanted to protect his power. The Cain mentality was evident. Only he alone should reign.

So many times, over the centuries Jesus’ followers came under persecution because someone, some governments, some organizations, some groups were unwilling to tolerate Christianity. They tried to wipe out Christianity like how Herod tried to wipe out Jesus. But God is in control—his mission will prevail. We thank God that Christianity cannot be wiped.

Yes, many of God’s people will be caught in the enemies’ fire. However, God will preserve His Word and His mission.

Matthew 5:10-12

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.