Herod’s Rage

Matthew 2:16 — “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 Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.”

Herod’s reaction to Christ’s birth was not gratitude but hostility. Threatened by the news of a newborn King, he responded with violence, ordering the massacre of Bethlehem’s children. His rage revealed a heart consumed with pride and fear, unwilling to submit to Christ’s rule. Christmas divides hearts—some receive with joy, while others resist with anger.

Herod saw Christ as a rival rather than a Savior. Gratitude begins with humility, but pride refuses to bow. Herod’s example warns us that rejecting Christ leads to destruction. Gratitude welcomes Him as King; ingratitude sees Him as an intruder.

Even in Herod’s cruelty, God’s plan was not thwarted. Joseph was warned in a dream, and the child was preserved. Gratitude grows when we see God’s sovereign hand, protecting His purposes even in dark circumstances.

For pastors, this passage reminds them that the gospel will meet resistance. Gratitude strengthens them to press on, knowing that opposition cannot stop God’s plan. For the flock, it teaches that gratitude means choosing Christ over self, even when costly.

Herod’s rage contrasts with the joy of the wise men and the praise of the shepherds. Gratitude or hostility—every heart must choose. Christmas confronts us with the question: will we worship or will we resist?

Let us not be like Herod, clinging to pride. Instead, let us respond with gratitude, bowing before Christ the King.