A Companion to
Monday with Matthew: Week 2

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
— Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

Original Language

• Greek: βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων (basileus tōn Ioudaiōn)
  • βασιλεὺς (basileus) = king
  • Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn) = of the Jews (Judeans)

This phrase appears here for the first time in the New Testament—spoken not by Israelites or prophets, but by foreign seekers from the East.

Theological Insight

This is a title loaded with irony and power:

• It’s what the Magi call Him at birth.
• It’s what Pilate nails over His cross at death (Matthew 27:37).
• It’s never used by Jesus Himself, but declared by the world around Him—from birth to crucifixion.

This title exposes Herod’s fear, Rome’s mockery, and the quiet truth that Jesus is King—not just over Judea, but over all nations.

The world wants a king it can control. Jesus is not that King.

Cultural Context

In the 1st century, declaring someone “King of the Jews” was politically dangerous. It was a challenge to Rome’s imperial rule and to Herod’s illegitimate reign (he wasn’t even fully Jewish by blood).

No wonder Herod was “disturbed”—this child wasn’t just a religious curiosity. He was a threat to every counterfeit throne.

Reflection

• What “thrones” in your life does Jesus challenge?
• Do you truly welcome Him as King—or prefer a Savior without authority?

Journal Prompt

• “Jesus, what does it mean for me to live as if You are my true King?”
• “What areas of my heart still bow to lesser rulers?”