Episode 99: Where is the King?
SUMMARY
Discover how God still reveals Himself through unexpected messengers. In this episode, Olivia and Milo explore the Magi, Herod, and the powerful choice between worship that transforms and resistance that protects self-rule. Which path will you take?
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
INTRODUCTION
In this Christmas episode, Olivia and Milo reflect on Joseph’s dilemma in Matthew 1:18–25—when obedience invites confusion and loss of control. They uncover how God meets our fear not by easing our risk but by reframing it through divine purpose, grace, and mission. A deeply human and hopeful conversation.
BIG IDEA: God often announces His kingship through unexpected messengers, and His revelation always demands a response—either
Worship that transforms us
Resistance that protects our own authority.
THE MAGI: THE ONE’S WHO CAME TO WORSHIP
Instead of angels proclaiming Christ’s birth, Gentile Magi become the first human messengers to announce the arrival of the King. These men were not kings themselves, but scholarly priests from the East—likely Persia or Babylon—who studied the stars and ancient writings. Though outside Israel’s covenant community, they were genuine seekers whom God graciously guided to the Savior.
The Magi recognized “his star,” echoing the prophecy of Numbers 24:17: “A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Whether supernatural light or divine presence, the star served as God’s personal guide, revealing that those who sincerely seek Christ will not be left without direction.
Their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—proclaimed what many in Jerusalem failed to see. Gold acknowledged Jesus as King, frankincense pointed to His priestly role and worship, and myrrh foreshadowed His suffering and death. These Gentile seekers recognized that this Child was not merely a ruler, but the King of the universe.
HEROD: THE ONE THREATENED BY THE KING
Herod’s response to the Magi’s announcement was immediate disturbance. Scripture says he was “troubled”—a word that describes deep agitation and inner turmoil. Christ’s kingship exposed the fragility of Herod’s authority, revealing what happens when self-rule is threatened by rightful rule.
Herod responded with strategy. He gathered religious leaders, searched the Scriptures, secretly questioned the Magi, and lied about his intentions. His desire to preserve control led to deception and eventually violence, showing how destructive self-preservation becomes when Christ’s authority is rejected.
Jerusalem shared in Herod’s fear—not because they feared the Messiah, but because they feared the ruler who would stop at nothing to protect his power.
THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS: KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT MOVEMENT
The chief priests and scribes knew the Scriptures. They correctly identified Bethlehem as the Messiah’s birthplace, yet they never went to seek Him themselves. Their response reveals a sobering truth: it is possible to know God’s Word, give correct answers, and still remain unmoved by the presence of Christ. Knowledge without worship leaves us informed—but unchanged.
THE MAGI’S RESPONSE: WORSHIP THAT TRANSFORMS
In contrast, the Magi responded with joy, humility, and obedience. They rejoiced when they found Jesus, bowed in worship, offered costly gifts, and obeyed God’s warning by returning home another way. Their altered route symbolizes transformed lives—encountering Christ redirected their allegiance, priorities, and future.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
God still speaks through unlikely sources. Just as Gentile astrologers recognized Christ through creation, God may be speaking to us through unexpected people, circumstances, or questions we would rather ignore.
Herod’s reaction invites honest reflection:
What troubles us most?
What areas of life do we protect from Christ’s authority?
Where have we built our own kingdoms?
What are we willing to sacrifice to stay in control?
Our defenses—rationalizing, strategizing, self-protecting—often keep us from genuine encounter with Jesus. Where we place our hope shapes how we respond. The Magi trusted God’s guidance. Herod trusted power and control. The religious leaders trusted knowledge without relationship.
The path of worship (the Magi):
Seeking leads to finding
Recognition produces joy
Encounter requires surrender
Worship transforms direction
Obedience follows revelation
CONTACT US at hello@thisresilientsoul.com. We are always looking for ways to deepen the quality and expand the impact of this podcast. So if you have some ideas on how we can do that we welcome your input.
Theme Music by Caleb Prasad
Search the Resilient Lineage Podcast