LESSONS FROM THE HERODS IN THE BIBLE

LESSONS FROM THE HERODS IN THE BIBLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 2:1-18, Mark 6:14-29, Acts 12:1-23

Supporting Texts: Luke 23:1-25, Acts 12:20-23, Revelation 19:11-21

INTRODUCTION:
The Herods in the Bible represent a family line known for their tyrannical rule and opposition to God’s purposes. While there are several Herods mentioned in Scripture, the key figures include Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Herod Agrippa. Each of them displayed various characteristics of pride, fear, and rebellion that provide vital lessons for us today. Their stories serve as warnings against the dangers of greed, manipulation, and the rejection of divine truth. This study will delve into the lives of the Herods and uncover the lessons we can learn from their actions.

1. HEROD THE GREAT: A MAN OF FEAR AND PARANOIA

a) Fear of Losing Power
Herod the Great was deeply fearful of losing his throne, which led him to commit horrific acts, such as the massacre of innocent children in Bethlehem.

b) Pride and Self-Interest
Herod’s pride and desire to secure his rule led him to manipulate both people and situations, including his brutal handling of political rivals and family members.

c) Failure to Acknowledge Christ
Despite his knowledge of the prophecy of a coming King, Herod rejected the idea of Christ's birth as a threat to his power rather than accepting Him as Lord.

d) The Cost of Opposing God’s Plan
Herod’s opposition to God’s purpose for the birth of Jesus ultimately led to his downfall and judgment.

e) Biblical Example: The Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16)
Herod’s fear of losing his kingship led him to order the slaughter of all male children in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering Messiah but sealing his own tragic legacy.

2. HEROD ANTIPAS: A MAN OF COMPLACENCY AND SELFISHNESS

a) Indifference to God’s Word
Herod Antipas was indifferent to the message of John the Baptist, even though he recognized John’s righteousness and fear of God. He listened, but he never acted on the truth.

b) Manipulation and Deception
Herod Antipas allowed his desires and selfish ambition to dictate his actions, even leading him to imprison John and later have him beheaded to fulfill a promise made to his stepdaughter.

c) The Power of Fear in Leadership
His decision to execute John was driven by fear of looking weak in front of his guests and not wanting to lose face, rather than upholding righteousness.

d) Consequences of Disobedience
Herod Antipas’ decision to oppose the voice of righteousness ultimately led to the loss of his kingdom and disgrace.

e) Biblical Example: The Beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)
Herod’s manipulation and indecision led to the beheading of John the Baptist. Despite knowing that John was a man of God, Herod chose to honor his oath rather than obey God’s truth.

3. HEROD AGRIPPA I: A MAN OF PRIDE AND EGO

a) Arrogance and Self-Exaltation
Herod Agrippa I sought the admiration of the people and allowed his pride to grow, ultimately leading him to accept worship as a god.

b) Rejecting Humility
When the people declared him a god, Agrippa accepted their flattery, showing his prideful disregard for God’s glory.

c) The Dangers of Seeking Human Approval
Herod Agrippa sought the approval of men rather than seeking God’s approval, which led to his tragic death.

d) Divine Judgment for Pride
Agrippa’s refusal to humble himself before God led to his death by divine judgment, where he was struck down by an angel of the Lord.

e) Biblical Example: Herod’s Death (Acts 12:20-23)
Herod Agrippa I, after accepting divine worship, was struck down by an angel of the Lord and died, a vivid reminder of the consequences of pride.

4. THE DANGERS OF REJECTION OF GOD'S PLAN

a) Rejecting God’s Word Leads to Destruction
The Herods repeatedly rejected God’s will, choosing their own power and selfish desires over divine truth, which led to their demise.

b) Pride and Selfish Ambition Over Divine Purpose
Each Herod family member exemplified the dangers of elevating self over God, making choices that contradicted God’s divine purposes.

c) The Cost of Disobedience
Their actions resulted in not only personal loss but also affected those around them, including innocent lives lost due to their decisions.

d) The Call for Humility and Submission to God's Will.
God’s kingdom is built on humility, submission, and obedience to His will. The Herods teach us the importance of surrendering our will to God’s plan for our lives.

e) Biblical Example: Herod’s Rejection of the Messiah (Matthew 2:3)
Herod’s rejection of Christ as the Messiah, driven by his desire to maintain control, led to tragic consequences, including the suffering of innocent children and the thwarting of God’s plan.

5. LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER FROM THE HERODS

a) The Danger of Leadership Without Integrity
Each of the Herods displayed a lack of integrity in leadership, making decisions based on fear, pride, or manipulation. True leadership requires a foundation of godliness and integrity.

b) The Power of Self-Examination in Leadership
Leaders must regularly examine their motivations and align their hearts with God’s will, lest they fall into the traps of selfish ambition.

c) Leadership that Honors God
True leadership honors God and seeks His glory, rather than seeking personal power and recognition, as seen in the Herods’ downfalls.

d) The Call to Lead with Humility
God calls leaders to lead with humility, submitting to His will rather than exalting themselves. Humility opens the door for divine blessing.

e) Biblical Example: The Fall of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:21-23)
Herod Agrippa's prideful acceptance of worship led to his downfall, serving as a powerful warning to all leaders about the dangers of exalting self above God.

CONCLUSION:
The Herods of the Bible provide us with powerful lessons on the dangers of pride, selfish ambition, and rejecting God’s will. Their lives serve as stark warnings about the cost of rebellion against God and the importance of humility, integrity, and obedience in leadership. We are reminded that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes from serving others, seeking His glory, and walking in humility.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, deliver me from the spirit of pride and self-exaltation.

2. Help me to lead with integrity, seeking Your will above all else.

3. Father, grant me the humility to accept Your plan for my life, no matter the cost.

4. Remove any fear of man or desire for approval from my heart.

5. Teach me to walk in obedience to Your Word, even when it challenges my desires.

6. Lord, help me to recognize and reject the influences of selfish ambition.

7. May I always seek to honor You in all my decisions and actions.

8. Give me the courage to speak the truth, even when it is difficult.

9. Father, help me to examine my heart regularly and align it with Your will.

10. Lord, keep me humble and dependent on You for everything I do.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will lead with humility and integrity, and God will honor your leadership.

2. Every spirit of pride and self-exaltation in your life is being removed now.

3. God will give you the wisdom to discern and reject selfish ambition in your heart.

4. You will walk in obedience to God’s will, and He will bless your decisions.

5. The fear of man will not hold you back from fulfilling God’s plan for your life.

6. God is raising you up to be a leader who honors Him in every aspect of your life.

7. You will not fall into the traps of pride and manipulation, for God is your guide.

8. Every area where you have sought human approval above God’s will will be transformed.

9. Your leadership will inspire others to walk in humility and obedience to God.

10. You will finish well, having faithfully followed God’s call on your life.