"Responding to Jesus"( Matthew 2:1-12)

 Matthew 2:1-12

 In This passage, there are three types of people defined by how they responded to the birth of Jesus.

The Magi went to king Herod because they thought he would know who the king of the Jews. King Herod was not happy about sharing his throne. He wants his way and does not want anyone telling him what to do.

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Matthew 2:3-4 ESV

So, king Herod wanted to know where this threat to his authority was.  In secret, he calls for the wise men. Most people do not do things in secret when it is virtuous or noble. But rather sinister and shameful.

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

Matthew 2:7-8 ESV

Who is the king in your life? Is it Jesus who controls your life? How is your response to this?

Many times, we want to be king over our lives. We do not want Jesus in control of all aspects of our lives. We want Jesus to be our servant or slave. We do not want to be ruled completely or obey the word of God completely.

What is the word God? It is simply to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor.

The religious leaders knew where Jesus would be born. They knew the messiah would be born. They even taught b about the messiah. However, they did not respond. This is the other type of person.

and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Matthew 2:4-6 ESV

Having knowledge makes you responsible.  The high priests had the knowledge of God and the Messiah, but they did not respond.  We are the same. Christians have knowledge of Jesus, and we need to be active Christians.  We need to tell others about Jesus and his mercy.

 

saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:2 ESV

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11 ESV

The wise men do not hold back with their worship or gift giving. They respond as one should to God. They gave valuable gifts with meaning that showed their hearts' beliefs about Jesus. 

Gold represents Jesus’ authority as king.

Frankincense represents Jesus’ divinity.

Myrrh represents Jesus’ humanity.

Jesus is the perfect mediator. He is fully human and fully divine and had the authority of king. Therefore, Jesus can be our savior. However, it brings us back to how do we respond to Jesus. Do we put ourselves first like King Herod? Do we hold onto this knowledge and then do nothing? Or do we give our best to Jesus and let him be our king, our lord and true savior?