How King Herod, the Pharisees, and the Wise Men Responded to Jesus’ Arrival

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball dive deep into the early chapters of Matthew’s gospel, exploring how the themes of kingship, authority, and prophecy fulfillment take center stage as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. The discussion centers around the story of the wise men and the various factions of first-century Judaism, with rich historical context provided about figures like Herod the Great and the religious leaders who missed seeing the Messiah.

Pastor Jay reflect on the dangers of pride, legalism, and self-glorification, urging listeners to remain watchful, submit to God’s word, and pursue genuine obedience in community. This thoughtful and practical conversation inspires believers to look past the familiar holiday images and to see Jesus as the true king who invites us into relationship, transformation, and mission.