Matthew 2:16
“When Herod realized that the Magi had outwitted him, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.”
This verse records a very dark event in the history of Jesus’ birth. When Herod realized that he had failed to obtain information from the Magi, he became very angry. In his rage, he ordered the killing of all the boys in Bethlehem who were two years old and under. We see cruelty, injustice, and suffering that seem irrational. Innocent children become victims of the ambition and fear of a ruthless king.
However, if we look deeper, this tragic event did not occur by chance. It is part of a larger pattern that has happened before. Exodus 1 recounts a very similar event. At that time, Pharaoh felt threatened by the growing number of the Israelites. In his fear, he ordered the killing of Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 1:16).
These two events share the same pattern: a ruler feels threatened by God’s plan, fear turns into cruelty, and innocent children become victims. Yet behind all this is one very important thing: God never loses control.
In the time of Pharaoh, a baby named Moses was saved, who later became an instrument in God’s hands to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In the time of Herod, baby Jesus was also saved because God warned Joseph to take Him to Egypt. Jesus then became the “Instrument” in God’s hands to free all humanity from the bondage of sin. Often, we think that when circumstances worsen, it means God is not at work. However, the Bible shows the opposite. Amid Pharaoh’s cruelty, God was preparing liberation. Amid Herod’s cruelty, God was bringing forth the Savior.
Perhaps in our lives today, some situations feel unjust. We may see things that we do not understand why they have to happen. But His Word reminds us that not everything dark means that God is absent, and not all suffering means that God’s plan has failed. In fact, it is often in the darkest of times that God is working at the deepest level.
Here are some important lessons we can take from these events and apply to our daily lives. First, do not be quick to judge the situation. Sometimes we immediately think, “This is bad, God does not care, God has abandoned me.” Yet, this could actually be part of an unfinished process. Let us learn to see life with faith, not just feelings.
Secondly, remain obedient even when you do not understand. Often, when we face unpleasant circumstances—especially when witnessing suffering caused by injustice around us—questions arise: why does God allow this to happen? Yet, it is precisely in such situations that God teaches us to trust Him completely, without any lingering suspicion. He is a trustworthy Person. Therefore, maintain your obedience, even when temporarily you do not understand what is happening. Thirdly, believe that God is in control. Even when situations seem chaotic, always remember that God is still at work and controlling every aspect of our lives.
Matthew 2:16 teaches us that this world is indeed not always just. There will be dark times, even those that bring horror. But this story also reminds us that God never ceases to work. Just as in the time of Moses and Jesus, God is still at work today.
So, when life feels heavy, remember: God is never defeated by circumstances. He always has a greater plan. Keep believing, keep walking. Behind every darkness, God is always preparing His light.