Three Responses to Jesus' Coming

Matthew: Three Responses to Jesus' Coming

This message is brought to you by Pastor Darryl Morrison

Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-2:23

Overview of Matthew: The Prophecies That Jesus Fulfilled

Point 1: Isaiah 7:14

Point 2: Micah 5:2

Point 3: Numbers 24:17-19, Matthew 2:18, Jeremiah 31:15

Thrust Statement:

The birth of Jesus should remind us that when He comes into our lives “everything changes.” So prepare for your lives to be altered, for your love to be magnified, and to give the best of you to Jesus the Christ, our King, our Priest, and Sacrificial Lamb.

Points:

1. Our Initial Response To Christ Coming Could Be: This is Devastating.

Joseph: Matthew 1:18-19; 1:20-21; 22-23; 24-25 Isaiah 7:14

- Joseph's initial response to Christ’s coming: Devastating

-- Angel of the Lord v. 20-21

-- Fulfillment of Prophecies vs. 22-23

-- Christ’s coming not only changed Joseph’s life, but it also changed Joseph’s mind

- When Christ comes into our lives, it’s so He can change us and allow us the privilege of walking in obedience to Him.

2. Herod’s initial response to Christ coming: Troubling and Disturbing

Herod: Matthew 2:1-3; 4-6; 7-8 Micah 2:5 Troubling and Disturbing

Herod was an executioner:

He was power-hungry, a control freak fixated on maintaining his authority and throne without care or consideration for anyone, including his family.

Execution of Herod's Wife:

He executed his favorite wife, Mariamne, whom he loved deeply due to groundless suspicions of infidelity and treason. In 29 B.C. Herod had ordered her death because if he failed to return from dangerous encounters, she might remarry.

Execution of His Sons:

He put three of his own sons (Aristobulus, Alexander, and Antipater) to death because he feared they were plotting to overthrow him.

-Their twin sons Alexander and Aristobulus could not forgive him for executing their mother, creating unbearable tensions in his court. So In 7 B.C., he strangled his twin sons on fabricated treason charges arising from court rivalries. (3rd son mentioned later)

Hasmonean Executions:

These Hasmonean family members who possessed legitimate claims to authority-Herod ordered the drowning of the young high priest Aristobulus III, fearing that the Hasmonean teen’s potential might provoke an uprising.

-A harmless 80-year-old Hasmonean priest, Hyrcanus II, was also executed on unjustifiable treason charges.

- By his death, Herod had ordered the execution of everyone suspected of intrigue against him, including his uncle Joseph, brother-in-law, trusted aide, and his eldest son Antipater.

Attributes and qualities of those who seek to remain the same: (Deception, Faking, Self-Preservation, and Power Hungry)

-Deception: relying upon lies, secrecy, and no transparency/honesty

-Faking It: false worship (faking it instead of faithing it)

-Self Preservation: eliminating anyone to preserve himself and his throne

-Power Hungry: wrestling to maintain positional authority and status when they were threatened.

- “King Jesus, when you come, please don’t allow me to remain the same.”

- Change Me!

3. The Wise Men’s initial response to the coming of Christ: Worship and Devotion

The Wise Men: 2:1-2; 9-11; Numbers 24:17-19

- The Wise men’s initial response to Christ coming: Worship and Devotion

- When Christ comes, worship Him with all you’ve got!

Summary:

When Christ comes into our lives, it will initiate an immediate response.

Some will be devastated because He messed up their plan, but obey Him anyway.

Others will reject Him because they selfishly choose to remain the same, so pray God changes them.

Finally, there will be those who choose to worship Him with sincerity of heart by humbling themselves and offering to Him their very best.

So when Christ comes, choose obedience, let Him change you, and worship Him with all you’ve got!