King Herod (Matthew 2)

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Big Idea

Christmas reveals how people grow, how God’s plan unfolds, and why our broken world needed Jesus to come.

Sermon Summary

When we look at Christmas through King Herod’s eyes, we see a man who completely misses what God is doing—despite Scripture, signs, and opportunity. This message explores how pride blinds us, how God quietly carries out His plan through small people and simple obedience, and why Christmas had to happen in a world still filled with tragedy.

Key Scriptures

Matthew 2:1–3 – Herod is troubled by the news of a rival king
Romans 1:21 – How pride darkens human thinking
Matthew 2:16 – The tragedy that reveals our need for redemption

Teaching Outline

Christmas Shows Us How People Grow

  • Herod grows numb as he pursues power and control

  • Scripture shows that choosing the world over God leads to blindness

  • Following Jesus shapes us into His likeness

Application:

  • Pray for God to deal with pride

  • Practice daily repentance

  • Invite trusted people to ask hard questions

  • Commit to real spiritual community

Christmas Shows Us How God’s Plan Is Carried Out

  • God works in perfect timing

  • God fulfills Scripture calmly and deliberately

  • God uses insignificant people and simple obedience

Encouragements:

  • If your life feels small, God often works there most

  • Obey what’s right in front of you

Christmas Shows Us Why Our World Needed Jesus

  • Tragedy still exists in a fallen world

  • God allows human freedom while remaining fully sovereign

  • Jesus came to change hearts, not force behavior

Hope:
Christmas reminds us that God did something about the brokenness—He sent His Son.

Why This Still Matters

Christmas teaches us:

  1. How people grow — by following Jesus

  2. How God’s plan unfolds — often in unexpected ways

  3. Why the world needs Christmas — redemption begins in the heart

Take a Next Step

  • Join a Life Group

  • Talk with someone about following Jesus

  • Consider how God may be working through your obedience

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