Narrator (4:56)

The caravan moved through the desert like a river cutting through canyons. Casper, Melchior and Belshazzar were at the head of the caravan. Guided by the star, they moved from endless sand dunes to rugged mountains in dense forests. The path was arduous and the journey taxed even the most robust of their company. As they journeyed west, they began to witness the heavy hand of the Roman Empire, once teeming with vibrant and simple life. Remote villages lay in ruin, their inhabitants either subjugated or fleeing from Roman wrath. Caesar had no need for poor villages that couldn't contribute to the empire. As the Magi walked through the broken down villages, they realized just how heavy the iron grip of Rome was. Caspar was a man of riches and nobility. Some even referred to him as Solomon reborn. But as he looked upon a begging family on the side of the road, his heart broke.

Rabbi Schneider (5:58)

Stop.

Narrator (5:59)

Caspar said with a raspy voice. His camel knelt down and he dismounted. He approached the family with a quivering lip.

Rabbi Schneider (6:07)

It will not replace what you have lost, but I hope it blesses you.

Narrator (6:11)

He handed them a leather bag of expensive spices to sell and a cloth wrapped around a large piece of silver. The father received it and held it for a while in his hand. Hope, he said with a jaded and weathered tone. Hope is a distant memory. Behind Caspar's long white beard there was a compassionate smile. He walked back to his camel and mounted it. Before proceeding, he glanced back at him and said, perhaps hope is closer than you think. With those words, the caravan continued through the winding Judean countryside. Nature was alive with new life. The wind carried the scent of freshly budding wildflowers, and fawns pranced through the grassy valleys. As they neared Judea, the anticipation grew. They felt a pull, a magnetic force that guided their every step. The star had led them to Judea, but the exact location of the Messiah was still unknown to them. Tell me, Melchior, caspar said.

Rabbi Schneider (7:12)

Where would a Judean king be born?

Narrator (7:15)

Melchior pointed to a city glimmering in the distance. Jerusalem, he said. The City of David and home to the temple. No doubt the city will be alive with celebration. The caravan entered the city with pomp. They were hardly inconspicuous, with their camels adorned with purple and chests of gold following them on carts. The rest of their caravan waited outside the city gates to replenish camels and restock on supplies. But the three wise men pressed forward, seeking out the palace of Herod, the tetrarch of Judea. His palace loomed over the bustling marketplace, imposing and cold, symbolizing power and dominance. Herod was indeed a master of deceit, cunning as a desert fox. His mind was a labyrinth of political influence, Intrigue and deception honed sharp enough to cut through the Gordian knot of political power that entrapped many rulers. He had an insatiable thirst for dominance, a desire that drove him to impose crippling taxes upon the very people he ruled. Even Caesar Augustus, the master of Rome, quipped that it was safer to be Herod's swine than his offspring, for Herod was notorious for slaying any of his children, children that proved to threaten his power. Word of the Magi's arrival, however, presented an opportunity for Herod. To him it was a chance to acquire more favor from rich men. He ordered his servants to prepare a feast worthy of emperors. He laid a bounty of food at the table and surrounded them with music, wine, and dances. To the Magi, men of refinement and culture, such a reception was not uncommon. However, something was disquieting about the feast. Belshazzar, in particular, had his guard up. Herod entered the great halls and stretched out his arm.

Herod (9:07)

My lords, to what do I owe this pleasure?

Narrator (9:11)

Herod asked, his voice dripping with feigned graciousness.

Herod (9:16)

We seek the newborn King of the

Narrator (9:18)

Jews, they replied with a bow. The Messiah's style star has guided us here, and we intend to honor him with our tributes and adoration. A shiver ran down Herod's spine at their words. Rumors had reached his ears, whispers of a child born to be king. But Herod was king, and no infant would unravel what he had spent decades making. Concealing his inner disgust, he took a measured sip of wine. Ah, yes, he said with a false grin.

Herod (9:49)

I have heard rumours of such a child being born. My servants think I do not hear their whispers in the halls. But such news is worth celebrating, is it not?

Narrator (10:01)

Herod's servants stepped back in fear. The proclamations of the shepherds had reached some of them, but they had purposely hidden it from Herod. Belshazzar steadied Herod carefully.

Herod (10:12)

Do you know where he is? Although I have heard rumors, no news has reached my throne. But if it is the prophesied Messiah you are looking for, the priests and scribes may be able to be of some aid.

Narrator (10:27)

Herod summoned some of the temple priests and scribes. They too were disturbed to hear the news.

Herod (10:33)

Tell us, priests, herod said, where is the prophesied child to be found?

Narrator (10:41)

The priests spoke among themselves for a moment, then replied, bethlehem, my lord, the birthplace of David. For the prophecies declare thus, and you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people. People Israel. Herod's smile was a serpent's grin as he raised his glass to the wise men.

Herod (11:14)

Then perhaps the rumours hold true, my lords. A new king may indeed grace our land. Glory to God.

Narrator (11:24)

But his eyes were stormy seas churning with rage and fear.

Herod (11:29)

Should you find the child, do return and tell me, so that I too too, may pay my respects.

Narrator (11:36)

The magi thanked Herod and departed. Herod watched them leave, his smile changing into a snarl as the door closed behind them. Messiah or not, he hissed in a

Herod (11:48)

venomous whisper, no one will dethrone me.

Narrator (11:53)

His eyes blazed with malevolence that recalled the cruelty of Pharaoh long ago. With a cry of fury, he he hurled his cup against the wall and summoned his guards.

Herod (12:03)

Slay every boy under two. Show no mercy to those who defy me.

Narrator (12:10)

He slumped back into his throne, his thoughts a whirlwind of paranoia. An infant shall not undo me, he vowed, the words a dark oath. The palace seemed to shudder at his command, a foreboding silence descending and as Herod's madness spiraled further into the darkness, a void of which there could be no return.

Pastor Jack Graham (12:34)

This story, inspired by Matthew chapter two, is a tale that paints a picture of the bleak circumstances into which Jesus was born. The boot of Rome was heavy on Israel, and those who weren't contributing to the empire were cast aside and forgotten. The appearance of the wise men from the east heralded a fresh sense of hope that transcended the earthly suffering seen in the poverty stricken villages. The sight of Kaspar's compassion for the broken family by the roadside provides a vivid example of this newfound hope, illustrating how the birth of Jesus inspires us to reach out to those in need. Indeed, Jesus coming is a sign that hope is closer than it seems in our lives. We may face hopeless situations, yet the story of Jesus birth reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, hope is alive and can be found in him. The story of the Magi paints a grim picture of the Roman Empire's cruel dominion. Villages lay in ruin and the impoverished were subjected to the empire's iron grip. But in this devastation, the Magi were led by a star to the place where the true king was born. The kingdom of God is unlike any earthly kingdom. While Caesar's rule brought destruction and subjugation, Jesus kingdom brought restoration, peace and justice. The birth of Christ inaugurated a new era where the marginalized and oppressed could find refuge and dignity. The kingdom of God is not built on power and domination, but on love, mercy and grace. Herod is a personification of the greed, corruption and evil Israel was oppressed by during that time. Under that politician's smile was a man consumed with bitterness and jealousy. Herod's response to the birth of Jesus reveals the depths to which jealousy and fear can drive a person. Though he initially feigned interest in worshiping the newborn king, his true intentions were soon laid bare. Driven by a relentless desire to protect his own power, he issued a horrifying command to slay every boy under two in Bethlehem. This sobering account reminds us of the destructive nature of jealousy. Like Herod, jealousy can blind us to reason and lead us to unspeakable cruelty. It's a stark warning to guard our hearts against envy and to seek contentment in what God has given to us. Herod's rule was marked by betrayal and violence founded on fear and oppression. But the birth of Jesus heralded a new kind of king who rules with love, compassion and righteousness. Unlike Herod, whose rule was threatened by a mere infant Jesus, kingship is unshakeable in our present age. It's tempting to put our trust in political leaders or ideologies, hoping they will bring about the change we desire. But the story of Herod reminds us that earthly rulers are fallible and often driven by self interest. Jesus, on the other hand, is a king who reigns with perfect justice and love. In him alone, we find solid and eternal hope. Above all, this passage underscores the incomparable kingship of Jesus. In a world fraught with uncertainty, he remains the unchanging and faithful star to follow. May this Christmas season rekindle in us a fresh sense of wonder at the birth of our Savior and renew our commitment to live as citizens of his kingdom. Join us for our next episode. The Magi will finally behold the king they've been waiting for. The gifts they give will provide us with deep theological insight into the nature of Jesus. This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.