Description

Episode Summary

In this episode, Mitch walks through Matthew 2 and explores the clash between two kingdoms: empire and the kingdom of God (shalom). Through the story of Herod, the religious leaders, Jerusalem, and the Magi, we see four distinct responses to Jesus—and a powerful invitation to examine our own.

Key Themes

1. Two Kingdoms

• Empire → control, fear, self-preservation
• Shalom → peace, restoration, trust in God

Herod represents the kingdom of empire, while Jesus embodies a completely different way of life.

2. A Pattern Throughout Scripture

This tension isn’t new—it runs through the entire Bible:

• Pharaoh in Egypt
• Israel in the wilderness
• Kings like Saul and Solomon
• The Persian Empire in Esther

Empire isn’t just a place—it’s a pattern.

3. Four Responses to Jesus

Matthew 2 shows four ways people respond when the true King arrives:

• Herod → Resistance (threatened, clings to power)
• Religious Leaders → Apathy (know the truth, don’t act)
• Jerusalem → Disturbance (troubled, unsettled)
• Magi → Worship (seek, sacrifice, surrender)

Same King. Same moment. Different responses.

4. Jesus’ Response to Empire

Jesus doesn’t build like empire:

• He doesn’t grasp power
• He doesn’t control or dominate
• He moves toward the vulnerable
• He welcomes outsiders
• He trusts the Father

He lives differently within empire, showing what the kingdom of God looks like.

Reflection Question

Where do you see empire in your life… and how are you responding to Jesus?

• Are you resisting?
• Apathetic?
• Disturbed?
• Or worshipful like the Magi?

Next Episode

Matthew 3 — Exploring John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, and how Jesus begins to step fully into His role.