Matthew 2: Jesus' Birth Demands a Response

In reading Matthew 2 this morning, I was struck by the two opposite reactions taken to the birth of Christ. First, the wise men worshiped. Often portrayed as astrologers from the east, these men were so observant of God's creation that they witnessed God's sign in the heavens, and took action. Not content to simply observe God's work, they felt compelled to travel and discover the wondrous thing God was doing in their midst. Matthew does not indicate that they knew exactly who this person was they sought; "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" does not necessarily reveal a knowledge of Christ's saving mission. They understood, however, that something astonishing was happening, and that they needed to respond. How often does God do wondrous things in our midst, and we simply do not pay attention? The wise men reminded me this morning that I should constantly be looking to see how God is working, and that work compels a worshipful response.

Secondly, Herod responded in anger. Herod was faced with an opportunity.  Three wise men came from a great distance and brought him word of a newborn king whose birth has been marked by a new star appearing in the heavens. Ethnically half Jewish, King Herod immediately understood the significance of this star, asking his priests where the Christ was to be born. After learning that Bethlehem was the prophesied location, Herod could have dropped everything, abandoning his crown and responsibilities, and raced to worship the newborn messiah. Instead, he turned from worship to eventual murder. Herod reminded me of a young man I met this past semester in Greensboro, North Carolina. This man had been a firm believer in Christianity, and yet he turned his back on it and embraced an angry, militant agnosticism. Not content simply to reject the faith of his family, he felt compelled to angrily debate any Christian who would engage him with the intent of tearing down his opponent's faith. Herod was not content to leave Christ alone, but sent soldiers to Bethlehem in an effort to kill the babe. There is something about Jesus that forces people to respond to his existence. One cannot easily ignore Him. His existence compels either worship, or vehemence. When confronted with a sign confirming the birth of the Messiah, the wise men worshiped while Herod murdered. Today, will you respond to Christ in worship or anger?