Attitudes of people at the birth of Jesus varied. The shepherds listened to the angels and immediately went to Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus. They left praising God and sharing the Good news. In Matthew CH. 2 we read that wise men came to Jerusalem asking, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We have come to worship him.” Though the religious leaders knew from Scripture where the Messiah was to be born, they still ignored Him. King Herod sought to know Jesus’ birthplace so he could destroy Him. When the wise men saw the star over the place where Jesus was, they were filled with joy, perhaps aware that this Jewish King would one day rule the world. Indeed, He was God’s choice to bring redemption, justice, and righteousness to a sin-sick world. Jesus the Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promise to undo the horrible effects sin has brought upon the world. Even though the religious leaders ignored His birth, and King Herod tried to destroy Him by killing all the young boys in Bethlehem, God’s plans cannot fail. Like the wise men of old, wise people today still seek Jesus; they crown him Savior, King of their lives, and King of the universe.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
