“Overcoming Our Inner Herod – Advent #2”

SERMON Title: Overcoming Our Inner Herod – Advent #2
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:1-12 ESV

Introduction

The Advent and Christmas narratives in the Gospels remind us of a profound truth: God often interrupts lives, revealing to characters like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and Elizabeth that they are not in control. Similarly, God interrupts our lives, reminding us of our lack of control, a reality that can be both unsettling and humbling.

In times of stress or uncertainty, we often seek control over something—whether it’s cleaning our homes, organizing our schedules, or even going for a late-night drive. Yet, no matter how much control we try to exert, life continues to remind us that ultimate control belongs to God. As Barbara Brown Taylor aptly states in An Altar in the World, “We do not lose control of our lives. What we lose is the illusion that we were ever in control in the first place.”

This Advent season challenges us to reflect on how we respond to life’s interruptions. Do we follow the way of King Herod, clinging to control, or the way of King Jesus, embracing surrender?

Herod’s Reaction to Jesus’ Birth

In Matthew 2:1-12, we encounter King Herod, a man whose life has been defined by control and power. When the Magi arrive, announcing the birth of a new king, Herod is deeply troubled. Outwardly calm and composed, inwardly he is paranoid and defensive. Faced with the reality of a rival king, Herod’s response is to devise a deceitful plan to eliminate the threat, instructing the Magi to return with information about the child.

Herod’s paranoia reflects a heart consumed by the need for control. His story invites us to examine our own lives, where we too may struggle with letting go of control in the face of life’s uncertainties. Like Herod, we may resist change, cling to power, and struggle with feelings of defensiveness and scarcity.

Confronting Our Inner Herod

While we may aspire to be like Mary or the Magi, faithfully submitting to God’s will, we must also confront the ways in which we resemble Herod. Herod’s life was marked by two destructive forces: defensiveness and scarcity. These forces often emerge in our own lives when we feel threatened or out of control.

1. Defensiveness
Herod’s defensiveness stemmed from his insecurity. Despite being a king with immense resources, he was deeply fearful and unstable. His fear of losing control led to destructive actions, including the execution of his own family members. His paranoia created a prison, isolating him from genuine relationships and trust.

Similarly, our defensiveness often arises when our identity feels threatened. We build walls to protect ourselves, striving to appear competent, capable, and in control. Yet this false self becomes exhausting to maintain. As Jesus teaches in the Beatitudes, the way to true freedom is through humility and vulnerability: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” To be poor in spirit is to release the need to protect, prove, or possess. It is to live with the freedom of having nothing to lose, because our worth is rooted in God’s love.

As Henri Nouwen reflects, “At issue here is the question: ‘To whom do I belong? God or the world?’ A little criticism makes me angry, and a little rejection makes me depressed. A little praise raises my spirits, and a little success excites me. It takes very little to raise me up or thrust me down.” Herod’s life is a cautionary tale of what happens when we allow defensiveness to take root: we become consumed by the need to protect our false self, leaving no room for the peace and freedom Jesus offers.

2. Scarcity
Herod’s actions were also driven by a scarcity mindset—the belief that life is a zero-sum game. In his view, the rise of another king meant his own downfall. This mindset breeds competition, fear, and a refusal to share or collaborate. We see this scarcity mindset reflected in our world today, where success often feels like it must come at someone else’s expense.

Jesus’ birth, however, ushers in a kingdom of abundance. In God’s economy, there is enough love, grace, and purpose for all. Embracing this truth frees us from the anxiety of scarcity, allowing us to celebrate others’ successes and trust in God’s provision.

Jesus’ Invitation to Freedom

The antidote to the way of Herod is the way of Jesus. While Herod clings to control, Jesus invites us into a life of surrender and trust. This surrender is not passivity but a recognition that our worth and security come from God, not our own efforts.

Imagine living with nothing to protect, nothing to prove, and nothing to possess. This is the freedom Jesus offers. It requires confronting our false selves and releasing our grip on control, trusting that God’s plans are greater than our own.

As we navigate this Advent season, let us reflect on where we may be holding onto control, defensiveness, or scarcity. May we choose to lay these burdens at the feet of Jesus, embracing the abundant life He offers.

Conclusion
Herod’s story is a reminder of the dangers of a life consumed by control and fear. In contrast, the way of Jesus leads to peace, freedom, and trust. This Advent, may we overcome our inner Herod by surrendering our need for control, trusting in God’s provision, and living as people marked by humility and abundance.

Reflection and response

My brothers and sisters, Advent is a time of reflection and preparation, a time to let go of our inner Herod and embrace the light and freedom of Christ’s Kingship. So let’s take a moment to consider:

- Where am I grasping for control in my life?

Perhaps it’s a relationship, a decision, or a dream you’re holding onto too tightly. How might Jesus be inviting you to release that into His hands?

- How do I respond when life feels out of control?

Do you turn to anxiety, anger, or defensiveness? Or are you willing to trust in King Jesus, who holds all things together?

- Who is Jesus to me this Advent season?

Is He merely an idea or a distant figure, or is He your King—the One you trust, worship, and follow with open hands?

As you go back to your lives this week, I urge you to reflect deeply on this truth that: Christ is enough.

His kingdom is abundant, and His reign is secure. You don’t need to strive or prove yourself. Instead, you are invited to open your hands and hearts to Him, trusting that He is sufficient for every need, every fear, and every longing.