'THE LOVE OF POWER' VERSUS 'THE POWER OF LOVE' (1 OF 3)
by Jerry Watts
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
This content is part of a series.
'The Love of Power' versus 'The Power of Love' (1 of 3)
Series: A Fresh Look at the Christmas Story
Jerry Watts
Matthew 2:1-12
I wanted to begin today with a small clip from the Back to the Future track, ''That's the POL.''
The Christmas story is one of the most beautiful, loved, and well-known stories ever told. In its telling we tend to include the first 12-24 months in the life of our Lord, Baby Jesus. This story is filled with sharp contrasts and vast extremes. We see Royalty and Rags, Riches and a Stable, as well as the purest child in the filthiest of places. I was raised around a farm with cattle, horses, pigs, barns, field lines (that's sewage) and 'a horse/cow lots.' (You know what that is?) So I understand the extremes. We see one leader in place and another leader being born. In Herod and Jesus we find a stark contrast of ideologies, philosophies, and power. Let's read our text.
Herod represents all that is evil within the heart of man. He demonstrates the selfishness we possess by his lust for and love of power. His position is everything to him. He is a legend in his own mind. He has fought his way to the top and maintains his kingdom by destroying anyone who dares to disagree with him or challenge his authority.
On the other hand, Jesus represents all that God had in mind when He uttered the words, ''I'll make a man.'' Jesus represent the highest expression of love, purity, hope, and so much more.
Herod is the finished product and the finest example of the Love of Power. He holds his power by intimidation and threats. He hangs on by delivering on those threats. Just don't get in his way.
Jesus is the perfect example, in fact He is the greatest source for the Power of Love.
Herod literally swung a sword at whoever crossed him. Jesus began His plan in a manger and stayed with it until Calvary because of Love.
Today we get to see Herod and His Love of Power contrasted to Jesus and His Power of Love - and then we get to fac ...
Series: A Fresh Look at the Christmas Story
Jerry Watts
Matthew 2:1-12
I wanted to begin today with a small clip from the Back to the Future track, ''That's the POL.''
The Christmas story is one of the most beautiful, loved, and well-known stories ever told. In its telling we tend to include the first 12-24 months in the life of our Lord, Baby Jesus. This story is filled with sharp contrasts and vast extremes. We see Royalty and Rags, Riches and a Stable, as well as the purest child in the filthiest of places. I was raised around a farm with cattle, horses, pigs, barns, field lines (that's sewage) and 'a horse/cow lots.' (You know what that is?) So I understand the extremes. We see one leader in place and another leader being born. In Herod and Jesus we find a stark contrast of ideologies, philosophies, and power. Let's read our text.
Herod represents all that is evil within the heart of man. He demonstrates the selfishness we possess by his lust for and love of power. His position is everything to him. He is a legend in his own mind. He has fought his way to the top and maintains his kingdom by destroying anyone who dares to disagree with him or challenge his authority.
On the other hand, Jesus represents all that God had in mind when He uttered the words, ''I'll make a man.'' Jesus represent the highest expression of love, purity, hope, and so much more.
Herod is the finished product and the finest example of the Love of Power. He holds his power by intimidation and threats. He hangs on by delivering on those threats. Just don't get in his way.
Jesus is the perfect example, in fact He is the greatest source for the Power of Love.
Herod literally swung a sword at whoever crossed him. Jesus began His plan in a manger and stayed with it until Calvary because of Love.
Today we get to see Herod and His Love of Power contrasted to Jesus and His Power of Love - and then we get to fac ...
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