Herod vs. Jesus: Ambition, Power, and Servant Leadership
Summary
In this first Sunday of Advent, we are reminded of the opportunity to invite those who are not connected to a church to join us in celebrating the birth of Christ. As we embark on our Advent series, "The Characters of Christmas," we begin by examining the life of Herod the Great, a figure whose story is marked by ambition, power, and ultimately, tragedy. Herod's life serves as a cautionary tale of how unchecked ambition and a thirst for power can lead to moral failure and destruction. Despite his impressive achievements, such as the expansion of the temple in Jerusalem, Herod's legacy is overshadowed by his ruthless actions, including the massacre of innocent children in Bethlehem.
Herod's story is contrasted with the life and mission of Jesus Christ, who exemplified humility, service, and sacrificial love. While Herod sought to maintain his power through fear and violence, Jesus, the true King, came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. This contrast challenges us to reflect on our own lives and the positions of influence we hold. Whether we are leaders in our workplaces, families, or communities, we are called to use our influence to serve others, following the example of Christ.
As we consider the roles and responsibilities God has entrusted to us, we are encouraged to ask ourselves how we can serve those around us. This Advent season, let us be reminded of the hope and peace that Jesus brings, and strive to live lives that reflect His love and humility. In doing so, we participate in building God's kingdom, rather than our own.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Complexity of Human Nature: The rehabilitation of villains in popular culture reflects our fascination with the complexity of human nature. In Scripture, we see that even those chosen by God, like Noah and David, are multifaceted and flawed. This reminds us that our own lives are a mix of strengths and weaknesses, and we must rely on God's grace to navigate our complexities. [29:41]
2. The Danger of Unchecked Ambition: Herod's life illustrates the destructive power of unchecked ambition and fear. His pursuit of power led to moral failures and tragic consequences. As followers of Christ, we are called to examine our ambitions and ensure they align with God's purposes, seeking to build His kingdom rather than our own. [45:44]
3. The Call to Servant Leadership: Jesus teaches us that true greatness comes from serving others. Unlike Herod, who used his power to oppress, Jesus used His influence to serve and uplift. We are challenged to adopt a posture of humility and service in our positions of influence, reflecting the heart of Christ in our interactions with others. [48:53]
4. The Influence of Our Roles: Regardless of our official titles, we all hold positions of influence in our relationships and communities. We must be mindful of how we use this influence, striving to serve and support those around us, rather than seeking personal gain. This is the way of Jesus, who calls us to be everything Herod was not. [52:24]
5. The Hope of the Gospel: The contrast between Herod and Jesus highlights the hope and peace that Christ brings. While Herod's rule was marked by fear and oppression, Jesus offers life and salvation through His sacrificial love. This Advent season, we are reminded of the transformative power of the gospel and the call to live in light of Christ's example. [56:47]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[27:11] - The Rehabilitation of Villains
[28:14] - Complexity in Scripture
[29:41] - The Characters of Christmas
[31:42] - Herod's Role in the Christmas Story
[33:05] - Understanding Herod's Background
[34:24] - Herod's Ambitious Projects
[36:24] - Herod's Dark Side
[39:47] - Herod's Reaction to Jesus' Birth
[40:55] - Herod's Thirst for Power
[42:46] - The Dangers of Influence
[43:58] - Herod's Ruthlessness
[45:44] - Lessons from Herod's Life
[47:23] - Jesus' Teaching on Leadership
[48:53] - The Call to Serve
[49:58] - Reflecting on Our Influence
[51:16] - Embracing Humility
[52:24] - Living in Light of the Gospel
[54:12] - Questions for Reflection
[55:44] - Serving Others in Our Roles
[56:47] - The Hope of Christ
[58:32] - The Beauty of the Gospel
[59:28] - Closing Prayer
[01:00:36] - Communion Invitation
[01:01:31] - Reflecting on Communion
[01:02:48] - Giving Thanks for Jesus
[01:03:48] - The New Covenant
[01:05:11] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 2:7-18
- Mark 10:35-45
- Isaiah 9:6-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Herod take upon hearing about the birth of Jesus, and what does this reveal about his character? [39:47]
2. How does Jesus describe the path to true greatness in Mark 10:35-45, and how does this contrast with Herod's approach to power? [48:10]
3. In Isaiah 9:6-7, what titles are given to Jesus, and how do they reflect His mission and character compared to Herod's rule? [56:47]
4. What were some of Herod's significant achievements, and how did his ambition ultimately lead to his downfall? [34:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Herod challenge our understanding of ambition and power in our own lives? What lessons can be drawn from his life about the dangers of unchecked ambition? [45:44]
2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching on servant leadership in Mark 10:35-45 redefine the concept of influence and authority? How might this apply to modern leadership roles? [48:53]
3. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7 about Jesus' reign provide hope and contrast to the fear and oppression associated with Herod's rule? [56:47]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the complexity of human nature, and how does this understanding affect our view of biblical characters and ourselves? [29:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current roles in life. How can you use your influence in these roles to serve others, following the example of Jesus rather than Herod? [54:12]
2. Consider a time when your ambition may have led you away from God's purposes. How can you realign your goals to build God's kingdom rather than your own? [45:44]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you can practice servant leadership. What steps can you take this week to serve others in that area? [48:53]
4. Think about someone in your life who is not connected to a church. How can you invite them to experience the hope and peace of Christ this Advent season? [27:11]
5. How can you cultivate a posture of humility in your daily interactions, especially in situations where you hold influence or authority? [49:58]
6. Reflect on the hope and peace that Jesus brings, as described in Isaiah 9:6-7. How can you share this message with others during the Advent season? [56:47]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure your ambitions align with God's purposes, and how can you seek accountability in this area? [45:44]
Devotional
Day 1: The Complexity of Human Nature
In our exploration of human nature, we are reminded that even those chosen by God, like Noah and David, were complex and flawed individuals. This complexity is not just a biblical observation but a reflection of our own lives. We are a mix of strengths and weaknesses, and it is through God's grace that we navigate these complexities. The fascination with the rehabilitation of villains in popular culture mirrors this biblical truth, showing that everyone has the potential for both good and evil. As we reflect on our own lives, we must acknowledge our imperfections and rely on God's grace to guide us. [29:41]
Genesis 9:20-21 (ESV): "Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard. He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent."
Reflection: Think of a personal flaw or weakness you struggle with. How can you invite God's grace into this area of your life today?
Day 2: The Danger of Unchecked Ambition
Herod the Great's life serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of unchecked ambition and fear. His relentless pursuit of power led to moral failures and tragic consequences, including the massacre of innocent children in Bethlehem. As followers of Christ, we are called to examine our ambitions and ensure they align with God's purposes. We must seek to build His kingdom rather than our own, recognizing that ambition, when left unchecked, can lead us away from God's path. This Advent season, let us reflect on our ambitions and align them with God's will. [45:44]
James 3:16 (ESV): "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
Reflection: Identify an ambition in your life that may not align with God's purposes. How can you redirect this ambition to serve His kingdom instead?
Day 3: The Call to Servant Leadership
Jesus teaches us that true greatness comes from serving others. Unlike Herod, who used his power to oppress, Jesus used His influence to serve and uplift. This call to servant leadership challenges us to adopt a posture of humility and service in our positions of influence. Whether in our workplaces, families, or communities, we are called to reflect the heart of Christ in our interactions with others. By serving others, we embody the love and humility that Jesus exemplified, participating in building God's kingdom. [48:53]
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: Consider a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you reflect Christ's humility and love in this act of service?
Day 4: The Influence of Our Roles
Regardless of our official titles, we all hold positions of influence in our relationships and communities. We must be mindful of how we use this influence, striving to serve and support those around us, rather than seeking personal gain. This is the way of Jesus, who calls us to be everything Herod was not. As we reflect on our roles, let us consider how we can use our influence to uplift and serve others, following the example of Christ. [52:24]
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: Reflect on a role of influence you hold. How can you use this role to serve and support others, rather than seeking personal gain?
Day 5: The Hope of the Gospel
The contrast between Herod and Jesus highlights the hope and peace that Christ brings. While Herod's rule was marked by fear and oppression, Jesus offers life and salvation through His sacrificial love. This Advent season, we are reminded of the transformative power of the gospel and the call to live in light of Christ's example. As we embrace the hope of the gospel, let us strive to live lives that reflect His love and humility, participating in building God's kingdom. [56:47]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: How can you share the hope and peace of the gospel with someone in your life this week? What practical steps can you take to reflect Christ's love and humility in your interactions?
Quotes
Isn't it interesting that in the Bible, the guy who builds a boat and floats on the sea also drowns himself with one too many glasses of the fruit of the vine? The same guy who is chosen by God and used by God also wrestles with God. The one who is courageous enough to slay a giant also wrestles with God. He also slays the husband of his one -night stand. The guy who asks for wisdom also, when it's granted, decides to pursue his life, chasing after joy in places where it cannot be found. Oftentimes, the characters in Scripture and in life are not one -dimensional. They're complicated. And yet, the story that we read this morning tells the story of a character in Scripture, that doesn't seem too complicated. He just seems evil. [00:29:41] (59 seconds)
Herod tried to foster goodwill by reducing taxes, enacting policies that helped bring about economic prosperity and prosperity of the people. He also tried to foster goodwill by reducing taxes, among the people, and building public works, including the artificial port city of Caesarea, the fortress of Masada, and the fortification around Jerusalem. Herod built a magnificent palace for himself atop a man -made mountain. That mountain, that place was called the Herodium, which is amazing when you think about it. He essentially had built a man -made, mountain and put a spectacular palace on top of it that was named after him. By the way, next year during the first quarter when we, Lord willing, begin our building project. If you look up one Sunday and there is a large mountain with a big building on top of it and you see a sign that says something along the lines of, Metsodium, run, run. It never ends well when someone does that. [00:34:56] (73 seconds)
Herod had a high position. Herod had unchecked power. And Herod had selfish ambition. Herod's life is a sobering example of the consequences of this. Herod's life is a sobering example of the consequences of this. of unchecked ambition coupled with fear. Though he sought greatness through wealth and power and monumental achievements, his legacy to this day is overshadowed by his moral failures. His story reminds us of the futility of seeking worldly power at the expense of righteousness, and it highlights the contrast between building our own kingdom and building God's kingdom. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live lives in contrast to Herod's. [00:45:25] (57 seconds)
You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them. Position of power and influence. They lord it over them. And their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you, must be your servant. And whoever would be first among you, must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Did you catch those last verses? They're so challenging to us. Let me read them again. You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them. And their great ones exercise authority over them. And their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you, must be your servant. [00:48:10] (63 seconds)
Maybe you're here this morning and you're thinking to yourself, hey, whatever that is, that's not me. I'm not looking to influence anyone or anything. I don't care about power or position. I'll be over here if you need me, and hopefully you won't need me. You want to stay out of the limelight. You don't want to call the shots. You don't want the bright lights on you. Not just Sunday mornings. But any time you want to be back in the background and you think to yourself, well, that's not me. I have no desire to be influential. I have no desire to have a position of influence. I don't have ambition to do great things. And yet something tells me that even if that's you this morning, there are times when you find yourself in an influential position. [00:51:16] (57 seconds)
The way of life that you call us to as the people of God is so vastly different than the way of the world. God, would you help us become the kind of people that you called us to be? Lord, we ask for your help this morning, and we pray these things in Jesus' name and by your spirit. Amen. One of the great joys that we have as the church is to participate in communion. Communion, or what is commonly referred to as the Lord's Supper, is an opportunity for us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, his broken body, and the blood that was spilled out for us. Amen. Communion is both a time of reflection and a time of celebration. We reflect upon the life and the death and the resurrection of Jesus. And as the people of God, we celebrate and declare that Jesus is coming again. [01:00:28] (62 seconds)
If you are here this morning and you are not rightly related with God, you are still asking questions, you are exploring the Christian faith, I want to let you know I can't think of a better time for you to be here than this. I want you to humbly come before Jesus and trust in him and his finished work on your behalf. This table, then, is for you. This morning, I want to invite you, if you would, to pull out the elements and peel back the bread and take the bread with me. And let us pray and give thanks for the body of Jesus that was broken. Let us pray together. God, we thank you so much for the gift of your son, Jesus. Thank you for his perfect life, for his sacrificial death. Thank you for his resurrection. God, we thank you that because of the sacrifice of Jesus that we have, by faith, been given life. Lord, we are humbled this morning when we think about his body that was broken for us. This morning, we remember and we give thanks. [01:01:57] (80 seconds)
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