Who wanted to kill Jesus when he was born? This question has intrigued Christians and scholars for centuries, as it delves into the mysteries of the New Testament and the early days of Christianity. The answer to this question reveals the depth of Jesus’ significance and the dangers he faced from the very beginning of his life.
The birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament, was met with a mixture of awe and trepidation. The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would bear a son who would be called the Son of the Most High had caused great excitement among the faithful. However, not everyone was overjoyed with the news. In fact, there were several groups who had reasons to want Jesus dead from the moment he was born.
One of the primary groups that sought to kill Jesus was the Jewish religious establishment, led by King Herod. The Bible tells us that King Herod was troubled by the prophecy that a king would be born in Bethlehem, and he feared that this new king would threaten his throne. In Matthew 2:16, it states, “Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.” This brutal massacre, known as the Massacre of the Innocents, was a direct attempt to eliminate any potential threat to Herod’s rule.
Another group that had a vested interest in Jesus’ death was the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were the religious leaders of the time. They were threatened by Jesus’ teachings and miracles, which challenged their authority and interpretations of the Law. The Gospel of Matthew recounts how the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus, as seen in Matthew 12:14: “Then the Pharisees went out, and held a counsel against him, how they might destroy him.” Their animosity towards Jesus stemmed from his ability to attract followers and question their religious practices.
Additionally, the Roman government had reasons to be concerned about Jesus. The Roman Empire was a secular power, and Jesus’ growing popularity as a potential Messiah could have led to unrest and rebellion among the Jewish population. In Matthew 2:13, it is mentioned that King Herod consulted with the wise men to find Jesus, implying that the Roman authorities were aware of the potential threat he posed.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Who wanted to kill Jesus when he was born?” reveals a complex web of motivations and fears. From the Jewish religious establishment and King Herod to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and even the Roman government, many had reasons to eliminate the newborn Messiah. This underscores the profound impact Jesus had on the world from the very beginning of his life, and the lengths some were willing to go to ensure his demise.
