Why was the king jealous of Jesus?

The king, often interpreted as King Herod in the context of the Nativity story, was jealous of Jesus because he perceived him as a potential rival to his throne. The arrival of the Magi, who sought the "King of the Jews," threatened Herod's authority and power. This jealousy drove him to plot to eliminate Jesus, fearing that the new king would disrupt his rule and influence. Ultimately, Herod's fear of losing control led to his drastic actions against the infant Jesus.