The Christmas story includes an event similar to the tragedy in Newtown Connecticut as a madman kills small children in cold blood. King Herod, threatened by the news of a newborn king, has the young children in Bethlehem murdered.
Time haven't changed that much in 2000 years. On the same day on which twenty children were gunned down in what should have been a safe place (a school), far more unborn children (in Connecticut alone) were killed in what should be a safe place (their mother's womb). Sadly, the politicians and media who shed tears for the slaughter of the innocent children of Newtown, like Herod, don't seem to care about the slaughter of the unborn innocents. Such evil events shows the world's need of a Savior Who brings redemption.
Matthew 1 establishes that Jesus is the Messiah, the true king of Israel. He has come to establish an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness.
Our text tomorrow, Matthew 2, sets forth three possible responses to Jesus, the King.
- Some, like Herod, are openly hostile towards Him.
- Many, like the great majority of the Jews in Jerusalem, are indifferent.
- A few, like the Magi, worship Him. |
