When Jesus came into this world, not everyone reacted the same way. Some rejoiced, some feared, and some did not care at all. The gospels record a variety of responses, and each one tells us something about the human heart. Let’s look at them.
Mary – Faith and Submission
When the angel told Mary she would bring the Savior into the world, she humbly surrendered to God’s will. She believed even when she didn’t fully understand.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
(Luke 1:38)
Joseph – Obedience in Confusion
At first Joseph was troubled. He even thought about putting Mary away quietly. But once the angel spoke, he obeyed immediately.
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him.”
(Matthew 1:24)
The Shepherds – Joyful Witnesses
The shepherds heard the angel’s announcement and hurried to Bethlehem. After they saw the baby, they went everywhere telling others.
“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” (Luke 2:17)
The Wise Men – Worship and Sacrifice
The wise men traveled from afar, guided by a star. They didn’t come to debate or question. They came to worship and they brought costly gifts.
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him.” (Matthew 2:11)
Herod – Fear and Hatred
Herod saw Jesus as a threat to his throne. Instead of rejoicing, he plotted to kill Him. His cruelty showed the darkness of his heart.
“Then Herod… was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem.” (Matthew 2:16)
All Jerusalem – Troubled with Herod
Matthew 2:3 says, “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” The city wasn’t troubled because they were seeking the Messiah. They feared what Herod might do. The people had seen his violent temper before. If Herod was stirred, it meant trouble for everyone and they were right. Many children were murdered because of Herod.
Elizabeth and John the Baptist – Rejoicing in the Womb
When Mary visited Elizabeth, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. Even before birth, John the Baptist was already pointing toward Jesus.
“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Luke 1:41)
Simeon and Anna – Recognition and Thanksgiving
These two elderly saints had been waiting for the Messiah. When they saw the child Jesus, they gave thanks and praised God openly.
“Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God.” (Luke 2:28)
“And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)
The Innkeeper – Indifference
Luke simply says there was no room for them in the inn. The innkeeper probably wasn’t hostile, just unconcerned. Yet his indifference left no place for the Savior.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son… and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Lessons for Us
The birth of Christ shook the world. Some rejoiced, some feared, and some ignored it. That hasn’t changed. People still respond to Jesus in one of these ways. The real question is, how will you respond? Will you obey like Joseph, rejoice like the shepherds, worship like the wise men, or ignore Him like the innkeeper?
