The Holy Innocents

Matthew 2:12-18

For churches and denominations that follow the liturgical church calendar, the 28th of December is the day that remembers the Holy Innocents, those young boys living in and around Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth, who were put to death by order of King Herod the Great.  Let’s take a look at this tragic event and see what the Lord might teach us through it.

The narrative of the birth of Jesus is familiar to most of us.  Because of the Roman census Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.  Guided by the star which appeared at His birth, some Magi (possibly members of the priestly caste of Zoroastrianism from Persia) come to worship, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-11).  They believed the appearance of the star heralded the birth of someone of great, immense significance, and enroute they stop in Jerusalem to inquire about the birth. Their inquiry triggered murderous jealousy in King Herod, which he managed to hide while conversing with the magi.  Herod sent them on their way, with their promise they would return and tell him where they found the babe.

As our passage picks up, God has warned these magi in a dream to return home via a different route, and not go back to King Herod (vs. 12).  At the same time, God also warned Joseph in another dream to take Mary and baby Jesus, and flee into Egypt for their lives (vs. 13). Fortunately, each of these men obeyed God, as King Herod planned on killing the child which he felt was a rival to his throne.  There were Jewish colonies throughout the Mediterranean world, including some in Egypt, particularly in Alexandria, so Joseph and Mary would probably have gone to live among them.

When King Herod realized that the magi were not returning to give him information about the child they had sought, he was furious.  Herod was a violent and cruel man, frequently flying into murderous rages. He was also insanely paranoid about losing his throne, even executing Mariamne, one of his favorite wives, and two of their sons out of that fear.  Therefore, when he ordered the killing of baby boys two years old and younger in the environs of Bethlehem, it was not out of character for him.

Herod sent his soldiers to Bethlehem.  These would have been his own personal palace soldiers, not Roman soldiers, as this was not an order given by the Roman governor.  They were instructed to kill every baby boy under the age of two in the small village and surrounding countryside. Historians believe that the number would have been anywhere from a dozen to possibly a few dozen.  Bethlehem was not a big village, so most likely it did not have many boys who were between infant and toddler age. However, many children were killed, and even one would be one too many! Imagine soldiers bursting into your home and snatching your baby boy, running a sword through him!  This was unbelievable madness! The wailing grief that resounded through the streets of Bethlehem was heartbreaking. As Matthew wrote in verses 17-18, a prophecy of Jeremiah came true (Jeremiah 31:15). Rachel was the favorite wife of the patriarch Jacob, and mother of his favorite son, Joseph.  She had died and was buried in Bethlehem. The mothers of Bethlehem could not possibly be comforted when their babies were senselessly slaughtered.

What can we learn from these tragic events?  For one, God does not always intervene in the events that occur, and spare everyone from tragedy.  That does not mean that He doesn’t love us or care what happens.  Terrible things happen all the time around the world, and God does care.  His Son, Jesus, died to pay the price of sin, including such terrible sins as occurred that day in Bethlehem.  Though He may not always intervene, God is always in control, and He always knows what is best.

Another thing that we can learn is to be alert to the Lord speaking to us.  He usually speaks to us today through His Word, the Bible. The Holy Spirit can also speak to us quietly in our hearts.  God spoke to the magi and to Joseph through dreams. They were obedient to Him, were receptive to His guidance, and were able to save the life of the Baby Jesus.

Herod was afraid that Jesus, the newborn Son of God, would take his throne.  Jesus didn’t want Herod’s throne, He wanted to be king of Herod’s life. People today are afraid that Jesus will take things away from their life, when really He wants to give them abundant life.  Will we accept God’s abundant life? Are we listening for His guidance in our life? And do we know that in spite of tragedies that happen, God does care about each and every one of us individually?