The Cost of the Gospel
SCRIPTURE: “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under.” (Matthew 2.16)
MAIN POINT: The arrival of God’s Kingdom provokes fierce opposition that touches the innocent.
Here is the scandal we cannot ignore: God’s plan to save the world advances, and grief fills Bethlehem. The Christ child is spared, but other children die. This is the harsh reality of living in a fallen world—suffering flows even in the wake of God’s saving purposes.
We must resist the temptation to resolve this tension too quickly. Some would say, “Don’t worry; God’s in control.” Others would ask, “How could God allow this?” But Scripture holds both truths together: God’s purposeful plan advances, AND there is real suffering. Joseph’s obedience led to safety for Jesus, but Herod’s fury found other targets.
This pattern continues today. Your faithfulness may protect your own family’s witness, but your co-worker may face increased hostility for their faith. Your bold Gospel proclamation may lead someone to Christ, while others harden their hearts further. The world rages against the coming Light. This is not a reason to stop proclaiming the Gospel—it is the confirmation that the Gospel is real, powerful, and threatening to the kingdom of darkness.
The innocent suffered in Bethlehem, but they did not suffer in vain. Their deaths bear witness to the seriousness of Christmas—that God has invaded this world, and the powers of darkness will not go quietly.
REFLECTION: Faithfulness in a fallen world means we acknowledge real suffering while trusting God’s ultimate purposes. How do you hold together God’s goodness and the reality of suffering in your own experience? Where do you see the world’s fierce opposition to the Gospel today?
PRAYER: Father, the suffering of the innocent troubles my heart. Help me trust Your purposes even when I cannot understand Your ways. Give me courage to proclaim Your Gospel faithfully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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