Ten Responses to Jesus' Birth

Thoughts from Dr. Phil Kamibayashiyama, Director of BJMBC.
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1. Joseph’s Response was a response of Faith (Matthew 1:18-25)
   
   Joseph naturally did not want to marry a woman pregnant with a child that was not his. Therefore, the angel told him to “fear not.” The opposite of fear is faith. He believed the angel’s words that the child was actually Emmanuel—“God with us.” Joseph’s faith is seen in his obedience to marry Mary, adopt the child, and call His name Jesus: “Jehovah saves.” Jesus is the One who saves people from their sins. We should respond to Jesus with Faith.
   
   
2. The Wise Men’s Response was a response of Worship (Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11)
   
   These wise men realized the unique star signaled the birth of the King of the Jews. They traveled far to seek Him and rejoiced with exceeding great joy when they found Him. And when they saw Him, they fell down and worshipped Him and gave Him their most precious treasures. We also should respond to Jesus with Worship.
   
   
3. Herod’s Response was a response of Worry and Wrath (Matthew 2:3, 16)
   
   Verse 3 tell us that Herod was “troubled.” “Troubled” is the Greek word tarasso, meaning “in turmoil or great distress.” Herod was in turmoil to hear of a rival to his throne. His paranoia and wrath caused him to kill all the babies in that region. People today still did not want another to rule their lives. They still respond to Jesus with Worry and Wrath.
   
   
4. Mary’s Response was to Magnify God for His Mercy (Luke 1:46-55)
   
   In verse 46, to “magnify the Lord” means to glory in God and greatly rejoice in God. In verse 47, Mary said her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior. Why? Jesus’s birth is God’s mercy to lift up the lowly and helpless, and to pull down the proud and oppressors. God blesses those that fear Him. Our response to Jesus’ birth should be to Magnify God for His Mercy.
   
   
5. Zacharias’ Response was to Thank God for Salvation (Luke 1:67-75)
   
   Zacharias and Elisabeth finally had a child! God miraculously gave them a son (John the Baptist) even though they were too old to have children. But Zacharias’ greatest thankfulness was not for their new son but for Jesus Christ. Jesus would be the Redeemer of His people and save us from our enemies. Because of Jesus’ birth, Thank God for Salvation.
   
   
6. The Angels’ Response was a response of Praise (Luke 2:10-14)
   
   In verse 10, the angel described Jesus’ birth as glad tidings of great joy! In verse 13, other angels praised God and said “Glory to God!” We also should respond to Jesus’ birth with Praise.
   
   
7. The Shepherds’ Response was a response of Excitement (Luke 2:15-17, 20)
   
   Like the angels, the shepherds glorified and praised God for all the things that they had heard and seen. Their attitude is seen in vv. 15-16 when they excitedly decided to go and see and hurried to Bethlehem. They were excited to see Jesus. We also should be Excited to see Him.
   
   
8. Simeon’s Response was a response of Hope (Luke 2:25-33)
   
   Simeon held this eight-day old baby in his arms and thanked God for letting him see God’s salvation, the Light to the Gentiles, and the Glory of Israel. Joseph and Mary were amazed because this little baby was going to be the Hope for every man, woman, boy, and girl! Biblical hope is confident expectation of future blessing. Respond to Jesus with confidence that He is the answer to every need. Respond to Jesus with Hope.
   
   
9. Anna’s Response was a response of Speaking about Him (Luke 2:36-38)
   
   Anna was either 84 years old, or she could have been a widow for 84 years, making her about 105 years old! All that time, she had served God with fasting and prayer, night and day. When she saw Jesus, she not only prayed to thank God, but also spoke about Him to all wanting salvation. Respond to Jesus by Speaking about Him to all others.
   
   
10. The World’s Response was either to Reject Him or Receive Him (John 1:1-5, 9-12)
    
    When Jesus came, many rejected Him even though they claimed to belong to God. But according to verse 12, some received Him by putting their faith in Him for their salvation. What is our response to Jesus today and every day? Will you Receive Him by Faith?