Responses to Christ: Worship, Fear, and Indifference

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of Jesus' birth and the varied responses it elicited, both historically and in our lives today. As we approach Christmas, we are reminded of the different emotions and reactions that this season can bring. Just as the birth of Christ brought about diverse responses from the Magi, King Herod, and the religious leaders, we too are faced with choices in how we respond to Jesus.

The Magi, despite their limited knowledge, recognized Jesus as the King and worshiped Him with joy and reverence. Their journey symbolizes the pursuit of truth and the willingness to honor the divine, even when it challenges our understanding. In contrast, King Herod saw Jesus as a threat to his power and reacted with fear and hostility, illustrating how our attachment to worldly status can blind us to the true King. The religious leaders, knowledgeable yet indifferent, remind us of the danger of complacency in our faith.

Jesus' birth is a pivotal event that calls us to examine our own lives. Are we indifferent, worried, or do we respond with worship? Jesus challenges our way of life, but this challenge is a blessing. When we allow Him to be the King of our lives, we find joy, freedom, and eternal life. Our own paths, apart from Him, lead to destruction, but His way offers salvation and a relationship with God.

This Christmas, let us reflect on our response to Jesus. May we, like the Magi, recognize Him as the rightful King and worship Him with our lives. Let us embrace the joy and hope that His birth brings, knowing that He is our Savior and Lord.

Key Takeaways:

- The Magi's Journey of Worship: The Magi, despite their limited understanding, recognized Jesus as King and worshiped Him with joy and reverence. Their journey teaches us the importance of seeking truth and honoring the divine, even when it challenges our understanding. [27:49]

- Herod's Fear and Hostility: King Herod's reaction to Jesus' birth was one of fear and hostility, seeing Jesus as a threat to his power. This response highlights how our attachment to worldly status can blind us to the true King and lead us away from God's purpose. [30:13]

- Indifference of the Religious Leaders: The religious leaders, knowledgeable yet indifferent, remind us of the danger of complacency in our faith. Knowing about Jesus is not enough; we must actively seek and worship Him. [37:14]

- Jesus as a Threat to Our Way of Life: Jesus challenges our way of life, but this challenge is a blessing. When we allow Him to be the King of our lives, we find joy, freedom, and eternal life. Our own paths, apart from Him, lead to destruction. [38:46]

- The Call to Worship and Surrender: This Christmas, let us reflect on our response to Jesus. May we, like the Magi, recognize Him as the rightful King and worship Him with our lives. Embrace the joy and hope that His birth brings, knowing that He is our Savior and Lord. [43:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [13:48] - Greeting and Fellowship
- [20:04] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
- [21:29] - Introduction to the Message
- [23:05] - The Duplo Tower and Emotional Responses
- [27:49] - The Magi's Journey
- [30:13] - Herod's Fear and Reaction
- [31:33] - Prophecy and the Birthplace of Jesus
- [34:16] - The Magi's Worship and Gifts
- [37:14] - Indifference of the Religious Leaders
- [38:46] - Jesus as a Threat to Our Way of Life
- [40:42] - The Narrow Road to Life
- [43:54] - Our Response to Jesus
- [49:49] - Closing Prayer and Worship
- [01:03:41] - Final Blessings and Farewell

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Micah 5:2
- Matthew 7:13-14

---

Observation Questions:

1. What were the different responses to Jesus' birth from the Magi, King Herod, and the religious leaders as described in Matthew 2:1-12? [27:49]

2. How did the Magi's understanding of Jesus as King influence their actions upon finding Him? [34:16]

3. What prophecy did the religious leaders refer to when Herod asked about the birthplace of the Messiah, and how did they respond to this knowledge? [31:33]

4. How does the sermon describe Herod's reaction to the news of Jesus' birth, and what does this reveal about his character? [30:13]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might the Magi, despite their limited knowledge, have been so eager to worship Jesus, and what does this suggest about the nature of true worship? [27:49]

2. In what ways does Herod's fear of losing power reflect common human struggles with control and authority in our own lives? [38:46]

3. How does the indifference of the religious leaders serve as a warning against complacency in faith, and what might this look like in a modern context? [37:14]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Jesus being a "threat" to our way of life, and how can this be seen as a positive challenge? [38:46]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own response to Jesus' birth. Are there areas in your life where you might be indifferent, worried, or resistant to His influence? How can you address these areas? [43:54]

2. Like the Magi, are there truths about Jesus that you need to pursue more actively? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and worship of Him? [27:49]

3. Consider the ways in which worldly status or power might be blinding you to the true King. How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's purpose over personal ambition? [30:13]

4. How can you guard against complacency in your faith, ensuring that your knowledge of Jesus leads to active worship and engagement with Him? [37:14]

5. In what ways can you embrace the challenge of allowing Jesus to be the King of your life, and what practical changes might this require in your daily routine or priorities? [38:46]

6. Identify a specific area where you feel Jesus is challenging your way of life. How can you view this challenge as a blessing and an opportunity for growth? [38:46]

7. This Christmas, how can you intentionally reflect on and celebrate the joy and hope that Jesus' birth brings, both personally and within your community? [43:54]

Devotional

Day 1: The Magi's Pursuit of Truth
The Magi, despite their limited understanding, embarked on a journey to find and worship Jesus, recognizing Him as the King. Their journey symbolizes the pursuit of truth and the willingness to honor the divine, even when it challenges our understanding. This pursuit is not just about acquiring knowledge but involves a heartfelt desire to seek and worship the true King. The Magi's actions remind us that true wisdom is found in recognizing and worshiping Jesus, regardless of our initial understanding or background. Their joy and reverence in worshiping Jesus serve as a model for us to follow, especially during the Christmas season. [27:49]

Matthew 2:1-2 (ESV): "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 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.'"

Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively seek and worship Jesus, even if it challenges your current understanding or beliefs?


Day 2: Herod's Fear and Hostility
King Herod's reaction to Jesus' birth was one of fear and hostility, as he saw Jesus as a threat to his power and status. This response highlights how our attachment to worldly status and power can blind us to the true King and lead us away from God's purpose. Herod's fear drove him to take drastic measures to protect his throne, illustrating the destructive nature of clinging to earthly power. In contrast, Jesus offers a kingdom not of this world, inviting us to let go of our fears and embrace His reign in our lives. [30:13]

Matthew 2:3-4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where fear of losing control or status is preventing you from fully embracing Jesus as King? How can you surrender this fear to Him today?


Day 3: The Indifference of the Religious Leaders
The religious leaders, despite their knowledge of the Scriptures, were indifferent to the birth of Jesus. Their complacency serves as a warning to us about the danger of knowing about Jesus without truly seeking and worshiping Him. Knowledge alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by a genuine desire to follow and honor Jesus. The religious leaders' indifference contrasts sharply with the Magi's eagerness to worship, reminding us that true faith requires action and devotion. [37:14]

Matthew 2:5-6 (ESV): "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."'"

Reflection: In what ways might you be complacent in your faith? How can you move from mere knowledge of Jesus to actively seeking and worshiping Him?


Day 4: Jesus as a Challenge to Our Way of Life
Jesus' birth challenges our way of life, but this challenge is a blessing. When we allow Him to be the King of our lives, we find joy, freedom, and eternal life. Our own paths, apart from Him, lead to destruction, but His way offers salvation and a relationship with God. Embracing Jesus as King requires us to reevaluate our priorities and align our lives with His teachings. This Christmas, we are invited to reflect on how Jesus' birth challenges us to live differently and to embrace the joy and hope that His presence brings. [38:46]

Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV): "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself resisting Jesus' challenge to change? How can you begin to embrace His way today?


Day 5: The Call to Worship and Surrender
This Christmas, we are called to reflect on our response to Jesus. Like the Magi, we are invited to recognize Him as the rightful King and worship Him with our lives. Embracing the joy and hope that His birth brings, we acknowledge Him as our Savior and Lord. Worshiping Jesus involves surrendering our lives to Him and allowing His presence to transform us. As we celebrate His birth, let us commit to living lives that honor and glorify Him, recognizing the profound impact of His coming into the world. [43:54]

Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: How can you make your daily life an act of worship and surrender to Jesus? What specific changes can you make to ensure that He is the center of your life?

Quotes



"Herod right now is currently the king of the Jews, okay? They just, these men are coming and saying, where is the one who was born who is king of the Jews? Herod is the current king of the Jews right now, right? And so he fears that the Magi are here to worship the king, this baby who was just born. And so he's disturbed, right? Because now his throne is in jeopardy, right? His way of life is in jeopardy. And it says that all of Jerusalem was disturbed as well. Now, why is all the other people disturbed? Likely because of how Herod is going to react to this news, right? That feeling of kind of walking on eggshells when someone is really mad and you don't want to do anything. Maybe they're not mad at you, but you don't want to do anything to like have their anger directed towards you, right? You don't want to catch any strays. That's how the Jerusalem feels right now, knowing that Herod is distressed and angered and disturbed about these people asking, where is the king of the Jews, right?" [00:28:26] (53 seconds)


"Herod, again, the current king, he was not of Jewish descent, okay? He's married to a Jewish woman and was made king of the Jews. He did do some good things as a king. He wasn't all bad. But Herod was also incredibly paranoid and incredibly jealous. And he would do whatever he needed to do to remain in power, to hold on to his power. He had the high priest killed, okay? And the high priest was his brother -in -law, actually, his wife's brother. He had the high priest killed. He also had his wife killed." [00:30:13] (30 seconds)


"So whatever Herod needed to do to remain in power, he did, to remain in control. That's what Herod did. And so you can understand why he is disturbed now when these magi come and say, well, where is the king of the Jews? And you can understand why all of Jerusalem is disturbed because they're like, uh -oh, Herod's heard this. What's he going to do now, right? And so you can imagine the threat Herod feels when he hears the magi come and recognizing Jesus as the king of the Jews. Verse four, when he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, where the Christ was to be born?" [00:30:56] (33 seconds)


"The seemingly insignificant town of Bethlehem is in fact significant because a ruler will come from there. But again, the slight difference in Matthew 2 .6, it says that this ruler who's going to come out of Bethlehem is going to be the shepherd of my people Israel." [00:33:01] (14 seconds)


"Jesus would later call himself the good shepherd. The good shepherd cares for his sheep. The good shepherd knows his sheep, lays down his life for his sheep. And so Jesus has come both with you. The authority of a king and the care of a shepherd, right? Jesus would be a legitimate king of the Jews, unlike Herod, right? He would also be the final and perfect ruler of Israel. He would be a king who cares for his people, a king who knows his people, and ultimately a king who lays down his life for his people, unlike Herod, who takes their lives for his sake, right? Verse 7." [00:33:15] (38 seconds)


"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was." [00:35:16] (9 seconds)


"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him." [00:35:24] (9 seconds)


"Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. And so the star supernaturally brings them exactly, exactly to the place where Jesus was, right? God." [00:35:50] (17 seconds)


"They knew what the prophecy said, right? They knew the scripture. As soon as Herod asked them, they were, well, he's in Bethlehem, right? They knew. When Herod asked about where Jesus was, they were able to quote the scripture. They knew, and yet they did nothing, right? There was no excitement. They were indifferent to the birth of Jesus. They knew, but they did not believe. They knew, but they didn't do anything. They didn't go to worship him like the Magi did. They could have went, right? They were indifferent to the birth of the Messiah. And we see this throughout their life as their initial indifference to Jesus eventually leads to their eventual rejection and persecution. Right? It was always the religious leaders who were persecuting and attacking Jesus, right? So initially they were indifferent. They knew, but they did nothing." [00:37:14] (45 seconds)


"Jesus is still a threat to our way of life today too. But what Herod failed to realize is that Jesus being a threat to our way of life is actually a good thing. Right? Jesus is a threat to our way of life and that is a good thing. When we are the king of our own life, our way, the Bible says, leads to destruction. Leads to death. Right? Apart from Jesus, our way of life leads to death and destruction. When we allow Jesus to be king of our life, it leads to joy and leads to eternal life. Right? Jesus offers freedom. Right? We never have to worry about being good enough. Right? For so long, when I was a kid, I would always worry about like, am I saved? I don't feel like a Christian. I don't feel very close to God. And so at every like retreat, youth retreat or everything, I would always raise my hand to accept Christ. Because I always thought like, man, I'm definitely not good enough. I'm not sure if I'm saved. I'm not sure if I'm loved. Right?" [00:38:46] (53 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 20, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?