After the birth of Jesus, Joseph is told in a dream to take Mary and their Son to Egypt to avoid the threat against his life from Herod (Matthew 2:13). In this short passage we learn a few truths about the enemies of Jesus.
To the Enemies Of Jesus, Nothing Is Off Limits:
“…Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him (Matthew 2:13).”
Herod was fearful of losing his power and authority. He was so filled with pride he was willing to murder an innocent child to hold on to his position. It's hard to imagine the type of evil that must be in ones heart to lead them to kill the life of another, let alone the baby of a couple you didn’t know. The sad reality we live in is there are those who openly stand in opposition to Jesus and nothing is off limits to them. Where morality and human decency would normally intervene, sadly none is to be found. Sometimes we see individuals and groups do wicked and vile actions in their stance against Jesus and the truth He brings. These actions completely floor us. Unfortunately the enemies of Jesus have always been this way and Herod is a prime example.
The Enemies Of Jesus Never Quit:
“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men (Matthew 2:16).”
If you want further proof that nothing is off limits to Jesus’ enemies, look no further than Herod’s response to being fooled. The same sin-infected heart that led him to seek Jesus’ life leads him to kill every male child two years of age or under. An entire region suffered an unspeakable devastation due to the evil in Herod’s heart. Not only is there no moral line the enemy of Jesus is unwilling to cross, but they also never quit. Herod would spend his entire life seeking to destroy Jesus if it meant he got his way. He would go to any lengths or spend any amount of time if he thought it would successfully stop Jesus. It can be disheartening to see individuals like Herod in our world who spend their lifetime trying to remove God and His will from our nation, schools, homes, and the hearts of people altogether. It was the same way in the time of Jesus too.
The Enemies Of Jesus Never Win:
“But when Herod died…(Matthew 2:19).”
Four simple words that teach far more than what they say. Herod went to great lengths and did sickening things to remove Jesus from the earth and keep the Messiah from coming. Yet it accomplished nothing. God knew, intervened, and His will continued to happen. The enemies of Jesus never win. Nations, kings, armies, and politicians can rise up against God all they want, but their effort is futile. For they are standing against an almighty and perfect holy God. It doesn’t matter how powerful they think they are, the enemies of God and their plans will all fall one by one like Goliath.
Christian, when the world and its opposition to Jesus discourages you, please remember you serve an undefeated God who despite what you may see, is always in control.