Matthew 2 shows us a side of the Christmas story we rarely talk about. When Jesus enters the world as the true King, not everyone celebrates. Herod panics. Power feels threatened. And violence follows.

In this episode, we walk through the real timeline of the Magi, why Herod reacted the way he did, and how God protected His Son in the middle of darkness. Christmas isn’t a neutral story. It confronts false kings and reveals who Jesus really is.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1–23 (ESV)

Affiliate Links
The Bible Knowledge Commentary
https://amzn.to/4iYX8Aw

Urban Legends of the New Testament
https://amzn.to/4p4E8Cf

Urban Legends of the Old Testament
https://amzn.to/4oVlywl

The ESV Study Bible I use
https://amzn.to/3Y08ieS

The Christmas story feels so familiar that we often stop noticing how surprising it really is. Angels lighting up the night sky. Glory filling a quiet field. And the very first people invited to meet the Messiah were not priests or rulers. They were shepherds.

In today’s episode, we slow down and ask an important question. Why them? Why would God choose ordinary shepherds as the first witnesses to the birth of Jesus?

We look at the historical context, challenge a few popular myths, and walk through Luke 2 verse by verse. If you have ever felt too normal or too unqualified to be used by God, this episode will encourage you.

Affiliate Links to My Bible Study Tools

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: https://amzn.to/4iYX8Aw
Urban Legends of the New Testament: https://amzn.to/4p4E8Cf
Urban Legends of the Old Testament: https://amzn.to/4oVlywl
The ESV Study Bible I use: https://amzn.to/3Y08ieS

In this episode, I’m kicking off the full stewardship series and sharing why God gave me the word “stewardship” for 2026, how He started preparing me for it months early, and why learning to manage what we already have is one of the most important parts of spiritual growth. This is a raw look at my life, my routines, my failures, and the real work God is doing in me. If you’ve been praying for “more” but feel overwhelmed with what is already in front of you, this episode is for you.

If you want to walk this out with me in real time, you can join my subscription on payhip! It’s only $5 a month and it’s where I share the behind the scenes of what this looks like in my actual life. My routines, my habits, my failures, the messy parts, and the practical steps. If you want accountability and encouragement without perfectionism, come hang out with me there. https://payhip.com/b/X97TQ