WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH JESUS?

‎”After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’” (Matthew 2:1-2 HCSB)

It is a timeless question—just as relevant today as when first spoken 2,000 years ago. Jesus was on trial for His life, and the Roman governor, spoke to the crowd, “Pilate asked them, ‘What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?’” (Matt.27:22)

Every person of every generation has to answer that question. How do you answer it? Think carefully and answer as if your life depended on it—it does! More than that, how you answer that question determines where you will spend eternity.

Our text reveals three possible responses.

There is THE SELF-CENTERED RESPONSE. This is exemplified in King Herod.

“When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. …He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.’…And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.” (v.3,8,12)

This is the response of the ones SEEKING A KINGDOM WITHOUT A CHRIST.

Herod was concerned with one thing—himself. He wanted to preserve his position and protect his power no matter what he had to do. He was ruthless—willing to butcher his own family rather than face a threat to his reign. He wanted glory without God.

That is how an angel of heaven became the devil of hell—seeking to be as God. It is how the curse of sin broke like a monstrous tidal wave upon humanity when Adam and Eve were enticed to try to become like God. This is the root of all sin—proud rebellion against God. Civilization charts this course. Remember the tower of Babel—the vain attempt to establish a utopia apart from God? It was a tower engineered with the utmost human ambition, genius and skill. That is still the way of the world system.

This is the attitude arrogantly displayed in William Henley’s poem, “Invictus.”

“It matters not how straight the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”

Thus, Herod schemed to overthrow God’s purpose. He would shake his fist in the face of God. Many respond that way to God. Herod represents all those who are hostile to Christ—those who wish to kill Him and His followers. They have described Christianity as a virus that needs to be eradicated.

Then, there is THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS RESPONSE. This is typified by the Scribes.

“So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. ‘In Bethlehem of Judea,’ they told him, ‘because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah: because out of you will come a leader who will shepherd My people Israel.’” (Matt.2:4-6)

This is the response of SEEKING A CROWN WITHOUT A CROSS.

Think with me for just a moment. Here we have the religious elite of Israel. They were the very ones who should have been praying and longing for the Messiah. These Bible scholars had heads filled with Scriptural truth, but their hearts were empty.

John the Baptist would later refer to them as a generation of vipers. Jesus would brand them as hypocrites—whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside, but inwardly corrupt. These wanted religion without regeneration and reward without repentance.

The self-righteous believe they can work their way to heaven—that they are good enough to be accepted by God. Paul was once one of these. Consider his pedigree of pride:

“although I once also had confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law,blameless.

But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith.” (Philippians 3:4-9)

Here is the incredible thing: though the scribes knew so much, it never moved them to action. They drew near to God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him. This isn’t the response of hostility, but of apathy.

“Ho-hum,” the indifferent will yawn. “We’ve heard it all before.” But, they have no plans to do anything about it. The majority of Americans today are in this category—not incensed about Jesus, just indifferent toward Him. They will go so far as to say that they believe in God, and even describe themselves as Christians—yet it makes no difference in the way they live.

The response we need is THE SINCERE-SEEKER RESPONSE. This is modeled by the Magi.

“‎After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’…
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed beyond measure. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matt.2:1-2, 10-11)

This is the response of SEEKING A KING WITH ABSOLUTE COMMITMENT.

Consider how far they had traveled, the risk involved, the cost required and the determination needed. Yet, on they came, driven by a desire to find Christ. Where did this desire come from? We call it today—the drawing of the Holy Spirit. Those who seek God have been sought out by God. He uses the Word of God to generate faith in our hearts. “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.” (Rom.10:17)

In the centuries before, Israel had been captive in Babylon. There, a prophet named Daniel, ministered and gave the Word of God. Doubtless, these men had been exposed to the prophecies and so watched for the supernatural signs in the heavens, Daniel predicted would herald the coming of the Messiah. They weren’t astrologers as some make them out to be—but, they were Bible students! Their genuine faith led them to seek the King—that’s important!

Salvation means receiving Jesus as Lord. It means bowing to Him in repentance. True Christianity demands total commitment. They find the Savior—all sincere seekers do.

Their response is to worship Him. They give Him gifts. God gave them guidance. Paul writes, “All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.” (Rom.8:14)

What are you going to do with Jesus? You may respond with hostility. You might respond with apathy. You must respond with worship if you want to be saved. Seek Him! Wise men and women still do.