December 27, 2009
Background Scripture: Matthew 2
Lesson Passage: Matthew 2:7 – 10, 16 – 23
From birth, the effects of Jesus’ ministry could be seen in the reactions of various people. Some worshiped while others worried. The news of his birth traveled far and wide and engulfed people in its wake. Some traveled from a distant country to worship him while others nearby sought him to work wickedness against him. Wise men (either philosophers or scientists) were in awe of him while a king trembled at the thought of the meaning of his birth. All recognized that he was born king. This is remarkable considering there was no “earthly kingdom” of the Jews at that time and there had not been one for almost six hundred years. Neither was he born heir to the throne of a reigning king though he was born in Israel’s royal lineage of Judah. In spite of these gaps in regal succession, prophecy had foretold of his much anticipated coming. Some who anticipated with joy brought expensive gifts to give him along with their worship and adoration. They remind us of the custom in this country of giving gifts as part of the celebration during the Christmas season. On the other hand, King Herod, who learned that this anointed child was prophesied to be the king over Israel, committed monstrous acts in a failed attempt to kill him and prevent his ascension to the throne. The most hideous of all of his actions was the ordered execution of all children in and around Bethlehem who were two years of age and younger. On the other hand, God’s providential actions were in accordance with human desires and intentions whether they were pure or not. For those from a far country who desired to see and worship the child, God provided a guiding star to lead them over the distance and directly to the house where the child and his mother were (And you thought these new GPS devices were amazing! This technology is at least two thousand years late.) For a nearby king who sought to take the child’s life, God frustrated his plans by rerouting the group he tried to use to gather intelligence as to the child’s exact whereabouts. God went a step further and removed the child from that hostile environment until the fearful king had died. It was years later during his ministry that Jesus talked about the challenges of discipleship. Jesus stated that he did not come to send peace on the earth but instead a sword upon the land. It is a sword that divides families and homes. It is a sword that separates children from their parents. It will divide co-workers and friends. To this day, we still see the partitioning effect of the gospel. The gospel challenges complacency and mediocrity. God demands hot or cold and rejects the lukewarm. Since the announcement of Jesus’ birth, Jesus has always and continues to cause both joy and rage.
Robert C. Hudson
December 11, 2009
God’s Grace
14 years ago