What is your response to Jesus?
Introduction
- Introductory anecdote
- Why does the mention of Jesus cause such negativity?
- What is your response to Jesus?
- Since the birth of Jesus, people have been affected by the mention of His name
- Then and over the past 2000 years
- It has either brought joy to people's hearts or anger
- Look at the passage and pick out three different responses
- How do you respond to Jesus?
- Overview:
- Herod's Response (v13)
- The People's Response (v3)
- The Wise Men's Response (v2)
Herod's Response (v13)
- He is troubled and disturbed (v3)
- He played the nice guy (v4-8)
- He really wanted to kill and destroy Jesus (v13)
- Why was Herod so troubled and disturbed by the news?
- Historical narrative - very jealous
- This Child was a threat to his throne
- Herod had made himself lord of his own life
- He had made himself king of the Jews
- He likely thought that not even God could take away his throne
- His interest in the birth of Jesus was merely a fasade
- Herod really wanted to destroy Jesus
- He had a proud, selfish and greedy character
- Are we the same?
- Pride:
- Personal anecdote
- Is there pride in our lives?
- God hates pride
- Prov 16:5
- Yet pride is celebrated the world over
- Jesus hurts our pride - He humbles us
- This is why we don't like hearing of Him
- Selfishness:
- Personal anecdote
- Is there selfishness in our lives?
- Have we thought about 'me, me, me!'?
- Have we honestly examined the motives in our life?
- Are we concerned with our interests above others?
- James 3:16
- People refuse the presence of Jesus as the only suitable place for Him is at the centre of our lives
- Greed:
- Personal anecdote
- Are we satisfied with what we have?
- Prov 15:27
- Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him
- Are these same character traits that were in Herod, in us?
- We may not be as 'bad' as Herod but if you have refused and rejected Jesus - you need the Saviour
The People's Response (v3)
- This is so subtle yet deadly
- Why were the people troubled?
- It was not because a Saviour had come or was born
- It was the mere fact that King Herod was troubled
- They had not listened to the good news
- The response is deadly for they are unknowingly shunning the Saviour
- Is this not the reaction of the world?
- If you really care about yourself, your children and the future of the nation - listen to Jesus!
- Listen to this wonderful good news
The Wise Men's Response (v2)
- The Wise Men came to worship Jesus
- Historians speculate about the men and their journey
- They came with one purpose - simply to worship the King
- They rejoiced with exceeding joy (v10)
- Why are we here this morning?
- Are we going through the motions?
- Did we come to worship Him?
- Why did they come to Jesus?
- Isaiah 9:6
- Beautiful Saviour, Wonderful Counselor
- John 1:14
- Matt 1:21
- Jesus came not just for the Jews - but to save all
- Including the Magi
- This child was no ordinary child but the Saviour King
Concluding Remarks
- What do people say about Jesus?
- What do you say about Jesus?
- Jesus came not to condemn but to save
- What is your response to Jesus? - confess your sin and turn to Jesus
- Life is not easy - but we have a home in heaven, though we can worship Jesus now
- He is preparing a home to those who worship
- What is your response to Jesus?