More Than a Little Disturbed

Magi from the east declare, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him."  (Matthew 2)

Why was Jerusalem disturbed?  What had they to lose?

Herod feared for his throne.  But the people?  Why weren't they celebrating the arrival of the Deliverer long-awaited, the Savior promised by prophets?  Why were they troubled?

Because they had grown comfortable.  And they feared the disturbance of their comfort.

John Chrysostom (4th Century) wrote this:
Although troubled, they nevertheless did not try to understand what was happening.  They did not follow the wise men or even take any particular notice.  To this extent were they both contentious and careless.


Contentious and careless.

They chose annoyance over adoration.  Disdain over devotion.

Don't disrupt the status quo, Jesus.  We like it as it is.  We prefer bondage to a police state which tells us what to think/buy/feel.  Don't mess with our comfort, Jesus.

Worship is too high a price to pay for freedom.