Text: Matthew 2:1-12

It is interesting to note that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, another town some 120 kilometres away or about 2 days journey by foot from Nazareth, the town where Mary and Joseph was living at that time. Because Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor called for a population census, they had to return to their original hometown. But the timing of it helped fulfil Scriptures which prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Thus, we see that God does move the hearts of rulers to accomplish His purpose. (Prov.21:1) We need to know that we are born who we are and lived where we live or do what we do because God has allowed it. (Acts 17:26) But if God so desire He can move us on by changing the circumstances, even changing the hearts of kings and rulers.

THREE RESPONSES TO JESUS

Reading from verses 1 to 6, we can see that there are three very different responses to the coming birth of Jesus.

1. The Magi or wisemen responded with a desire to WORSHIP Him.
2. Herod was greatly DISTURBED.
3. But the worst response was from the very people who were supposed to know God, the chief priests and teachers of the Law, they responded with INDIFFERENCE.

HEROD – DISTURBED

Many people are like Herod, they want to be the only king in their lives, with no one else telling them what to do or what not to do. The thought of surrendering their lives to another, even to God is repulsive to them. Because of that, like Herod, they try to debunk the existence of God, who ordered the killings of all children borned in Bethlehem who were two years and under. But there are also some Herods among us who wouldn’t mind having Jesus in their lives and even “obeying” Him, as long as it suits themselves. Jesus is not on the throne, He is sitting beside the real king – SELF.

CHIEF PRIESTS & TEACHERS OF THE LAW – INDIFFERENCE

What about the chief priests and teachers of the Law, those who claim to know God and His words? Studying the scriptures, dissecting it into a minute parts to support a vain pet theory of theirs, preaching and teaching these as if it is a revelation from God when in actual fact, it is nothing more than a pathetic attempt at self-glorification. They are still among us. They go to their synagogues, temples and churches, displaying outward piety to men but denying the inward conviction of the Holy Spirit. They respond with indifference to the lostness of men, the sufferings of the hungry and the pain of the lonely. They have no time nor budget for such. THEIR programs, THEIR church and THEIR needs comes first. But Jesus does not want us to be indifferent to Him, His concern for the lost nor to His coming back again. Jesus was passionate for the lost, so passionate that He died for them. We cannot ever become indifferent to the birth of Jesus 2000 years ago or to His birth in the lives of those who receives Him as their Saviour daily or to His second coming to judge mankind. We need to be passionate!

WISEMEN – WORSHIP

The Magi or wisemen, foreigners from the east, came seeking. They were probably seeking for all their lives for the Truth, for the One from God who can deliver mankind from their sins. They had to cross deserts, mountains, rivers and no doubt, countless dangers to be near the Saviour. They did not come to take or to see how they can benefit from Jesus. They came to worship at His feet. They also came with gifts, precious gifts from their land, fit for a king.

WHAT CAN WE GIVE TO THE KING?

God owns the cattles on a thousand hills. He is the maker of the whole Universe. All the gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, etc. are not only owned by Him, but made by Him. What can we lay at the feet of Him who has it all? Page 2 The wisemen brought gifts of gold, incense and myrrh – their treasures. The Bible tells us that we should also offer sacrifices to God today but not of what the wisemen gave nor the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament.

THE FOUR TYPES OF SACRIFICES (GIFTS)

OUR BODIES. Romans 12:1,2 tells us that in view of God’s mercy to us, we should offer our bodies as living sacrifices. That means not abusing our bodies with sins and allowing our minds to be renewed. That is, to live a live that is holy and pleasing unto Him. This is a precious gift that we can give to God.

OUR TALENTS. Romans 12:4-8 shows us that God has given to each and everyone of us unique talents and abilities. We should use it for the edification of the Body of Christ and the service of fellow men. We need to be faithful to these talents as we have to give an account to God of what we have done or not do with them.

OUR CONFESSION. Hebrews 13:15 urges us to continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confesses His name. What do we do with our tongue? Do we use it to praise Him, declaring His goodness and telling others about the Good News? Let us offer our tongue as a fragrant offering to Him.

OUR GOOD WORKS. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us not to forget to do good and to share with others. In Ephesians 2:10, we are told that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. We are to be God’s hand extended to the needy in this world. God loves the world, and the only way the world will know it today is if His church were to show it by doing good works and telling people about Jesus.

As Hebrews 13:16 says…with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Christmas is about the birth of Christ but let us not forget why He was born – to save mankind from their sins. December 25th may or may not be the actual date of His birth but we cannot deny the reality of His birth. Let us offer to God precious gifts of our bodies, talents, confession and good works. Let us be like the wisemen.

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