Responses to Christ's Birth

The events of chapter two of the gospel according to Matthew happened sometime within two years of the birth of Christ. Outstanding in the details of this chapter are the three responses to Christ's birth.

His birth was met with hostility by Herod, who was appointed by the Romans who controlled the known world, to be king over the Jews. Herod took the report of the prophesied “King of the Jews” being born so seriously that he ordered the murder of all male children in Bethlehem, two years and younger.

The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, a mere five miles from Bethlehem, were so indifferent that they didn't bother to check out His birth when reported to be so nearby. So nearby in the very town the Messiah was prophesied to be born in.

In sharp contrast to the Jewish leaders, Matthew records that it was Gentiles who traveled hundreds of miles to worship the Christ child.

Sadly, while millions and millions of people celebrate Christmas, it is the few who are doing so in recognition of the Lord Jesus Christ as the prophesied Messiah and the only Savior from sin, who worship Him. Worshiping Him as Savior while anticipating His return to the earth as King to rule and reign over the kingdom He will establish.