Focus: The contrasting responses of Herod and the
Magi teach us about surrender, faith, and God’s faithful protection.
Key Scripture: Matthew 2:12
"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned
to their country by another route."
The story of the Magi beautifully illustrates contrasts:
resistance versus surrender, fear versus faith, and dominance versus humility.
These differences shine through the actions of Herod, the Magi, and Jesus
Himself, inviting us to examine our own responses to God’s kingship.
- Herod: Herod represents fear and resistance. The announcement of Jesus’s birth disturbed him, not because he misunderstood its significance, but because he fully grasped it (Mathew 2:3). To Herod, the newborn King was not a savior but a threat to his power. This response resonates with a difficult truth: we often resist Jesus’s reign in our own lives. We cling to control, titles, ambitions, or even a false sense of security, fearing that surrender will cost us too much. But as Herod’s story shows, fear-driven resistance leads to chaos and destruction, both for ourselves and others (Mathew 2:16).
- The Magi: In contrast, the Magi embody humility and faith. They left their homes, their comfort, and their certainty, journeying into the unknown to find and worship the King (Mathew 2:1-2). Their worship was active—they sought Jesus with purpose, brought their finest treasures, and knelt before Him in reverence. But their faith didn’t stop there; it extended to obedience. When warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they trusted God’s guidance and changed their course (Mathew 2:12). Their faithfulness protected them and also thwarted Herod’s plans. Like the Magi, are we willing to leave behind comfort, listen for God’s voice, and trust Him when He leads us down unfamiliar paths?
- Jesus:
At the center of this story is Jesus—the child, the King, the Messiah.
Unlike Herod, who ruled with fear, Jesus’s reign begins in humility
(Mathew 2:6). He does not demand allegiance through power but draws us
with love and peace. And unlike the Magi, who sought Him, Jesus seeks us
first. His presence transforms hearts and invites us to embrace His quiet
yet powerful kingship. Are we ready to surrender to His love, even when
His arrival disrupts our expectations?
Saved by Faithfulness:
The story reveals how God saves those who faithfully seek Him. The Magi’s
obedience to the dream God sent ensured their safety and demonstrated His
sovereignty. They remind us that faithfulness is not just about seeking Jesus
but also about trusting Him when He speaks, even if His guidance challenges our
plans.
Just as God protected the Magi, He promises His faithfulness
to us when we listen to His voice. He often guides us in ways we do not
expect—a star, a dream, or a still, small whisper. Are we paying attention?
Challenge:
This Christmas, reflect on these three figures. Are you resisting God like
Herod, faithfully seeking Him like the Magi, or fully embracing His peace like
Jesus? Consider where you might be clinging to control, and ask God for the
courage to surrender. Pray for ears to hear His voice and a heart willing to
follow His lead, no matter the cost.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the lessons in this story of contrasts. Help me to release fear and surrender to Your loving reign. Like the Magi, give me courage to seek You, faithfulness to follow Your guidance, and humility to worship You with my whole heart. Lead me along paths that reflect Your peace and transform me through Your presence. Amen.
Here are some of our latest family photos for you to browse.
The Christmas season is very much alive with the Cartee’s this winter!
(Annabelle and Jace meet Shoney Bear at the Ice Bears’ hockey game. Both children love animal mascots!)
(Jace hugs Shoney Bear several times.)
(We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Coffey family in Chattanooga, longtime friends of the Cartee’s.)
(We attended the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees, where families enjoy crafts, festive food, and a decorative collection of Christmas trees.)
(I have two Star Wars Christmas blow-up decorations outside near our patio. Annabelle and Jace hug them nightly as one of family Christmas traditions.)
(Lisa and Jace enjoy desserts at the annual CRU Graduate Ministry Christmas party.)
(The kids pose and enjoy their interactions with Santa Clause.)
(We regularly visit our local parks and playgrounds. The kids happily swing with smiles.)
#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #memories #story #narrative #inspiration #JamesCartee #Christmas #MerryChristmas #lifelessons #3WiseMen #3Magi #ThreeWiseMen #ThreeMagi
