December 21, 2003

Rev. Rurel Ausley

Reactions to the First Christmas
Mt.2:1-13

1. Has someone's reaction to what you thought was "good news" ever surprised you? Maybe you had received great news about something and immediately went to share that news with someone, but they did not share your excitement with you. How is that such a downer? Maybe you have been on the other end of that? Have you ever had someone come to you and announce their good news…but for one reason or another, you are not excited? How are reactions usually our first response? What do they tell about us? Today we are looking at reactions to the birth of Jesus. Not all reactions were the same or joyful!

2. Read our Scripture for today. For our first reaction, pay close attention to vv.1, 2, 10, 11. Who were the Magi? From where did they come? Why did they come? Who were they looking for? Who were they talking to? What were they coming to do when they found the Christ child? What event got them so excited? What action did they take? What kind of commitment did it take for them to come and worship Jesus? What gifts did they bring? Discuss how worship and giving are always together. How was their reaction one of excitement, obedience, faith, sacrifice, worship and anticipation? Millions today still respond to the birth of Christ by offering him worship and sacrifices. What is your reaction to Jesus?

3. Now, not everyone was as excited and worshipful as the Magi! Read our Scripture again and look closely at vv.3, 13, 16-18. What was King Herod's emotional reaction to the "good news"? Why do you think he was disturbed? What was his first action? What instructions did Herod give to the Magi? Why did he say he wanted to know when they found him? What was his real reason? (Vs. 13) Why such fearfulness of a baby? What does this say about Herod's insecurity? Concern for power and control? What terrible action did his anger lead him to take? What happens in our own life when Jesus encroaches upon "our throne"? What happens when we lose "power and control" over what we do? How threatened are we with Jesus wanting to have our lives? How angry do we become? What terrible actions do people take trying to resist God?

4. The last reaction I want us to look at comes from the chief priests and the teachers of the law! Read vv. 4-6. How do you think they were able to get it right about the birth of Christ? They knew. Don't you think they would have been interested enough to go to Bethlehem themselves and check it out? Its only 5 miles to Bethlehem! Were they too busy? Weren't they curious about the greatest religious event in world history? Perhaps this reaction is the most tragic of all…they didn't do anything. Indifference. How might this be the most common reaction of all from people? How many people will be too busy "celebrating Christmas" to worship Christ in His church this Christmas? Are we too just duplicating the chief priests' religious indifference?

5. What is your reaction to the birth of the Savior? What have been your actions this year?