Matthew 2

This is one of the saddest chapters in the whole bible. In Matthew 2 we hear the story of the wise men and of Herod... Who upon hearing that the King of the Jews had been born had all boys under 2 years old slaughtered to protect his throne. Innocent babies murdered. Some accounts argue that more than 10,000 babies were killed by Herod... even his own son! When Emperor Augustus heard this he said "it is better to be Herod's pig, than his son."

This is a story that we so often ignore because it is more than we can comprehend. The entire city of Bethlehem has their baby boys killed... all in one verse.

How are we supposed to read this?

Are we supposed to read this through the lens of Saving Private Ryan? Where it's ok for many men to die to save one? As Tom Hanks is dying he leans into Matt Damon and says "earn this." Is it okay for all those men to die because Private Ryan lived a good life? If that's the case than Jesus lived a good life... maybe he earned it.

Or are we to read this is one man's desperate attempt to maintain his power and privilege? People will go to unbelievable lengths to secure their place at the head of the table.

Maybe we read this story through both lenses.

It was the leaders of the temple that had Jesus brought before Pilate because he challenged their position.

And Jesus died as a Holy Innocent in your place.

Have you earned it? No, and you can't earn it.

That's why this tragic story has a beautiful ending.