The Reception of Christ
John 1:11
Intro
Jesus has been treated many different ways by people. The variety of ways in which different people have received and treated Jesus Christ is noteworthy.
I. The wise men received him as “the King of the Jews.”
a. They sought him.
b. They worshipped him.
c. They presented gifts to him.
II. Herod treated him as a usurper, a rival, a disturber.
Matthew 2:16-18 reads, “Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, Lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.”
a. The wicked have always resented the Savior’s presence
b. He is still one who would usurp the power of sin and enthrone himself upon the throne of our heart.
III. Nicodemus received him as a teacher sent from God (John 3:2)
a. It is still the verdict of the century, “Never man spake like this man.” (John 7:46)
b. Christ claimed to be heaven’s anointed Teacher and promised both safety and stability to the lives of those who put into practice his teachings.
IV. Some received him as a prophet
a. Some thought he was John the Baptist
b. Some thought he was Elijah.
c. Others thought he was Jeremiah.
V. Some received him as “The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
a. Following the resurrection, Thomas was to recognize him as “my Lord and my God.”
Closing
He came unto his own, and his on received him not. Is this description of the Jewish people, a description of us today as well today? During this Christmas season, let each of us receive him gladly and fully as the Lord of life and as the infallible guide to the abundant life.
