And all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2: 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Not everyone is entirely pleased with the Magi's journey toward Jesus. For Herod, Jesus represents a particular threat - the loss of his crown and power. And Jerusalem is disturbed with him!

I've read this passage probably a hundred times, and I'd never noticed the part about Jerusalem being disturbed along with Herod until this time around. As I was thinking about it today, it occurred to me that the mention of Jerusalem in this verse points to the eventual reality that Jesus undermines the power, not just of Herod, but of the religious structure.

Jerusalem had been the religious capital of Israel (housing its temple) for centuries. Naturally, the arrival of a Jewish king would send some flutters through the community. Some might find themselves hoping for the overthrow of Herod and Rome. Others might find themselves fearing the advent of such a war. Either way, the news of a Jewish King would cause a stir among the temple leaders and the inhabitants of this powerful city.

If such a proclamation were to be made today, what do you think your response would be? What would you hope that such a pronouncement meant? How might Jesus might be making tremors happen even now?