Matthew 2:1-3 CSB – After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod head this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

What Causes Conflict in Our Lives?

James 4:1, 2 CSB – What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war.

Proverbs 15:18 CSB – A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife.

There Are Two Voices Speaking During Any Conflict

The Wise Men Listen to the Voice of God and Obey

Matthew 2:11-12 CSB – Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.

John 10:27 CSB – My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.

Galatians 2:20 CSB – I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

King Herod Listened to His Own Voice

Matthew 2:16-18 CSB – Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she effused to be consoled, because they are no more.

What Does That Require of Us?

Go Directly and Set Boundaries

Practicing Humility

Philippians 2:3, 4 CSB – Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Surrender to King Jesus