Journal 4: Reactions to Christ

In the Bible, we find three reactions to the birth of Christ:

1. The reaction of hostility and hatred seen in Herod.
   • He was afraid Jesus was going to interfere with his life, his place, his power, his influence…
   • Therefore his first instinct was to destroy him.
2. The reaction of complete indifference seen in the chief priest and scribes.
   • They were so engrossed in their temple worship and their legal discussions that they completely disregarded Jesus.
3. The reaction of adoring worship seen in the wise men.  Consider the gifts of the wise men:
   • Gold= the gift for a king.  Jesus came to rule, not by force, but by love; He came to rule the hearts of men and women…not from a throne but from a cross.
   • Frankincense = the gift for a priest. It was in the temple that the sweet perfume of frankincense was used.  The priest is the one who opens the way to God for men. The word priest= bridge builder.
   • Myrrh= is the gift for one who is to die.  It was used to embalm the bodies of the dead.

Instructions

1. Read the article from William Barclay
2. In your journal, indicate which reaction best describes you. Explain.
3. Submit your journal by the end of this module.