THREE REACTIONS TO THE CHRIST CHILD MATT 2: 1-12 202
INTRO:
In 1247AD a hospital was founded in England called, St. Mary's of Bethlehem. Two centuries later it was converted to an insane asylum. In those days the feeble minded were chained up, and abused and their tormented minds caused them to scream and moan constantly. Because of this St Mary's of Bethlehem became known as a place of noise and confusion. The English's tenancy to shorten words gradually caused the name "Bethlehem to become "Beth-lem" then years later it became "bedlam". A word that has come to mean wild confusion and uproar.
Isn't it amazing that a peaceful name like Bethlehem could become Bedlam. Well such a bizarre transformation has happened to our Lord's birthday. Christmas has been transformed from a celebration of a messiahs birth to a materialistic orgy.
The biggest news of the season is that folks will spend 30 % more this year than last. The biggest section of the newspapers is the sale section. The largest gatherings of people is not in the Lord's house but in the mall. Just as Bethlehem changed to bedlam the Lord's birthday has changed to a Christ less binge of materialism.
WHY? Because man wants to avoid the truth, that Jesus is the Lord. People want to live in their selfish sinful condition without being confronted with the claims of Christ. Christmas forces even the most worldly of men to look at the Savior. THERE ARE THREE PREDOMINANT ATTITUDES MEN HOLD CONCERNING JESUS. MEN EITHER SEE JESUS IN TERMS OF A RIVAL, IN TERMS OF RELIGION OR IN TERMS OF REDEMPTION
I. TO HEROD HE WAS A RIVAL MONARCH vs 3
1. Herod was troubled. WHY? He was concerned that Jesus would remove him from the thrown. Didn't the Wise men come seeking the NEW KING?
1. The whole town was troubled. (vs3) Why? A whole caravan of foreign dignitaries showed up announcing that the messiah had been born. HEY! this was going upset the status quo, this will affect business.
2. The truth is, that Jesus came to upset the status quo. He came to bring dramatic change into the world. He came to bring dramatic change in your life.
3. That is why men are still troubled by Christmas. Jesus has come to change lives. He has come to save men from their sin. He has come to take control of lives that are out of control. He has come to give abundance to lives that are now empty and sad. THIS TROUBLES FOLKS BECAUSE THEY SEE JESUS AS A RIVAL TO THE THRONE OF THEIR LIVES.
4. Pride and self sit on the throne of many hearts here today. Pride doesn't admit that you are a sinner. Pride tells you that you are good enough to for heaven without receiving Jesus. Pride must be dethroned if Jesus is to reign
2. Herod was troubled because Jesus was a rival to his throne. Are you troubled today. Perhaps you just need to kick that failed king off the throne and put Jesus there.
II To the scribes HE was just A RELIGIOUS MYTH vs 4-6. So they were indifferent.
1. They knew that the messiah was coming. They knew all about him. In fact they even told Herod where he was to be born. SO WHY DIDN'T THEY GET ON THEIR CAMELS AND GO TO BETHLEHEM? They were to busy doing heir religious stuff. They had to attend meetings, teach classes and attend to the business of the Jewish rituals. They didn't have any interest in the Wise men's foolish quest. The scholars considered the messiah just another of their religions many traditions and myths.
2. The greatest event in the History of the Jews occurred and the religious leaders missed it.
3. It is much the same today. Most of America will celebrate the birth of Christ without ever wanting Jesus Christ in their thoughts. We will talk of Santa Claus, reindeers, and presents. We will have a Charlie Brown Christmas, A Dolly Parton Christmas, We'll let the Grinch steal Christmas, and totally leave out the LORD OF THE HOLIDAY.
ILLUS. Two women were enjoying an elaborate luncheon at a fancy restaurant, when another friend happened to see them. The friend went heir table and asked what was the special occasion? One of the Lady's said, "It's my baby's birthday." "Well, where is you baby then." asked the friend. "Oh, you don't think I'd bring the baby to this restaurant and ruin my luncheon, do you?"
MOST AMERICANS CELEBRATE THE SAVIORS BIRTH BUT THEY DON'T INVITE HIM TO THEIR CELEBRATION.
3. There is a real danger of us religious folks doing all the religious stuff associated with Christmas and forgetting the worship the Lord.
WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM HEROD THOUGHT HIM A RIVAL MONARCH THE SCRIBES A RELIGIOUS MYTH. . .
III BUT THE WISE MEN CONSIDERED HIM A REDEEMING MESSIAH VS11
1. John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
2. When the gentile wise men from the East came to Jesus presenting themselves and their gifts they became sons of God. WHY? THEY BELIEVED IN JESUS.
3. When the Jailor of the Philippian town Jail asked. "What must I do to be saved?" the answer was: Acts 16:31 " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
4. Christmas is about a REDEEMER. NOT SANTA, NOT SNOW MEN, BUT ABOUT THE GREATEST GIFT THAT YOU CAN EVER RECEIVE. THE GIFT OF GOD.
