King Herod: The Spirit of Jealousy

By Elizabeth Jimenez 

Somerset, New Jersey USA

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18 

Whether in the workplace, a relationship/friendship, in the ministry, or even with media celebrities, jealousy loves to seep in where it seems to matter (and hurt) the most. There have even been times when I have felt jealous of my past self! Sometimes I wish that I could look the way I used to look or wish I was as “spiritual” with my walk now as I was during another time in my life. You name it, I’ve probably felt it. 

Jealousy is a burning sensation within my chest that screams with desperation, insecurity, anger, sadness and fear. It manifests itself in a competitive nature with others where I feel bitter towards someone who has something that I desire. I struggle with feeling less than others when I am “lacking” something and, if I am not careful, then seek to make others feel jealous when I finally get what I want.

Either way, this tears down God’s picture of the unity he intends for his church — a picture of peace and security as we trust Him with the desires of our heart, are content in all circumstances, and are open to rejoicing with others when they rejoice! Let’s look at Matthew 2:1-18 and study out how to overcome the stumbling block of jealousy. This passage paints a picture of the events immediately following the birth of Jesus while King Herod was the ruler of Jerusalem. I see two main characters:

First, there is Jesus as the hero of the story of course. He is the savior of the world, the Messiah, and the chosen one who had been prophesied for centuries! (For the sake of this devotional, I deem him “The Good Guy.”) And, naturally, I always see King Herod as the antagonist playing the evil supervillain role (AKA “The Bad Guy”). 

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely rejoice in seeing the Lord’s will prevail despite King Herod’s wicked schemes. However, for the purposes of this study, I want to offer a different perspective – one that looks beyond a simple Good Guy vs. Bad Guy storyline (especially since I think jealousy has less to do with us and others and more to do with us and God).

Instead of King Herod the infamous Bible supervillain, I would like to invite you with me as we place ourselves into the shoes of King Herod – the ordinary, yet troubled, man who struggled with fear, insecurity, and jealousy – just like us. When it comes to understanding how King Herod struggled with a spirit of jealousy, I want to make a few main points.

The Heart Behind Jealousy

Proverbs 14:30 (NIV): “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

King Herod’s initial reaction to learning of Jesus’ birth is that he is greatly disturbed. He enters a frenzy of desperation, immediately calling together a group of people to attend to him and his plan to find Jesus. I imagine the thoughts that might have been running through his mind: 

“People are looking at Jesus as the King of all Kings. What if they forget about me? What if he accomplishes greater things than me? What if Jesus’ position and authority undermine everything I have worked for? Who does this baby think he is?!”

King Herod appears unable to enjoy his role as current King of Jerusalem while, at the same time, worship and rejoice with the news of the Messiah. For King Herod, it could only be one or the other rather than both. I imagine much of his security was found in the praise and recognition he received through his title as King. So, I am not surprised that he felt like his whole world was being thrown upside down with the belief there was a new “threat” in town. 

Can you relate to this? Sometimes we may not even realize that we are struggling with jealousy but, perhaps, we can identify the emotional symptoms that Satan is in fact getting a foothold: the desperation, fear, frustration and bitterness.

Reflection

•   What are some areas in your life that you can struggle with jealousy?
•   Do certain people/opportunities/recurring situations come to mind?
•   List out some of the root emotions and thoughts related to each area. 

Jealousy in Action

Mark 7:21-22 (NASB): “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness."

This scripture reminds me that the jealous thoughts and emotions that begin within our hearts can ultimately lead to “deeds of coveting and wickedness.” Wow! Sometimes I feel as though I can get away with my thoughts because “they aren’t hurting anybody but me.” So not true! Jealous thoughts left unchecked in the dark not only hold us captive, but they spill out into actions and hurt others. 

King Herod, for example, he allowed his spirit of jealousy to lead him down a path involving murder and deceit. Not only that, but he also manipulated the Magi into finding Jesus under the guise of wanting to worship him. I can’t even imagine how much time, money and energy he invested in acting out on his jealousy. 

Sisters, my prayer for us as we navigate through the spirit of jealousy is that we cling onto God’s truth instead of Satan’s lies. Satan wants to steal your joy! He loves seeing you stuck in discontentment while doubting God’s plan for you. 

Reflection

•   What are the areas in your life where the spirit of jealousy is stealing your joy or time, money, friendships, security, confidence? 

Kicking Out a Spirit of Jealousy

Psalm 145 (Read the whole thing!)

King Herod believed that his greatest competitor and threat was Jesus Christ when, in reality, it was Satan’s schemes. Satan will do anything to infiltrate God’s design for us to be unified with Him and with our fellow brothers and sisters. 

If there is anything I want to leave you with today it is that the Lord is jealous for YOU (Nahum 1:2)! He is jealous when he sees your attention being ripped away from Him because this fallen world sometimes convinces you that you are not enough as you are. God is passionate about reminding you that you have everything you need right now. Rest in this: while you work towards surrendering a jealous heart to Him (a lifelong journey, not an overnight process), know that God is doing his part and he will “satisfy the desire of every living thing” including yours and especially yours (Psalm 145:16)!

Practical

•   Do you feel jealous of anyone?
•   Pray for (or perhaps with) this person. Ask that God would bless and give them the desires of their heart.
•   Think about an act of love/kindness you can do for them this week.