Advent Devotional 10 • Matthew 2:3

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  

- Matthew 2:3

The name of Jesus has always been divisive.

Since day one, different groups have been for Him, against Him, and indifferent to Him.

For some, Jesus is a nonentity in their lives.

Matthew 2:4 says, “Assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, [Herod] inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”

The priest tell him, and that is that—back to business as usual. We hear of nothing else. Given the magnitude of what was happening, the sheer silence and indifference of the priest were overwhelming...!

For some, Jesus is a problem.

Jesus threatens their way of life and the kingdom they have built around themselves.

Matthew 2:3 says, “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” Herod's afraid—so much so that he schemes and lies and then commits mass murder to get rid of Jesus. Why? Because Jesus is a threat to his way of life.

For others, the name of Jesus brings joy and praise.

Matthew 2:10-11 says that the wise men, “when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.”

When faced with Jesus, there are only three responses: you want to ignore Him, kill Him, or worship Him.

As a Christian, Christmas should be the time we ponder what it means—what it costs—to worship and follow Jesus.

Today: If you're reading this, I assume you do not hate Jesus, and I hope you are joyfully praising Jesus. But my guess is you've grown a little indifferent toward Jesus. Where do you think this indifference comes from?

Do you know someone indifferent or hostile towards Jesus? Write their name where you can see it every day. Pray that the Spirit of God would open the eyes of their heart to the love of King Jesus.

Faithfully,
Pastor Chris

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