THREE DIFFERENT ATTITUDES TOWARD THE MESSIAH

THREE GROUP OF PEOPLE IN CHRIST’S TIME Shortly after the Messiah’s birth, the Scriptures reveal that there were three different groups of people with three different attitudes toward Him. These three groups exist today. The first group was wise; they accepted Jesus as the Christ and sought to worship Him. Mat 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Mat 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

THREE GROUPS OF PEOPLE IN CHRIST’S TIME The first group was wise; they accepted Jesus as the Christ and sought to worship Him. Mat 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

THREE GROUPS OF PEOPLE IN CHRIST’S TIME The second group was informed and indifferent. Mat 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. Mat 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, Mat 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

THREE GROUPS OF PEOPLE IN CHRIST’S TIME The third group hated Christ and sought to destroy Him. Mat 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. Mat 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: Mat 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

THE FIRST GROUP The wise men: Did not return home until they found and worshiped Jesus. Inquired to make sure they were going the right way. Took the time to seek truth. Followed the light God gave them. Brought themselves and other gifts to Christ. Did not listen to the one who hated Christ. Obeyed the Words God spoke to them.

THE FIRST GROUP Mary and Joseph belonged to the first group because they accepted Jesus as the Christ and had a strong faith in God. Mary and Joseph were the most blessed people on earth because they were given the great responsibility and honor of being Jesus’ earthly parents. Mat 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Mat 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

THE FIRST GROUP Mary and Joseph were the most blessed people of the earth because they were given the great responsibility and honor of being Jesus’ earthly parents. Mat 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

THE FIRST GROUP Mary and Joseph are examples of two people who had complete faith in God’s Word. Mary believed that she was going to have a baby even though she had not known a man: Luk 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Joseph believed that Mary’s child was from the Holy Ghost. The easiest thing, for Joseph, to believe was that Mary had known another man. No such thing had ever happened before.

THE SECOND GROUP The Chief Priests and Scribes knew what the Scriptures said about the Messiah, but they did not act on it. When Jesus started His ministry, they became His bitter enemies and took action against Him. Chief Priests and Scribes were: Lukewarm: Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

THE SECOND GROUP Chief Priests and Scribes were: Thorny ground: Luk 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. Talent buriers: Mat 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. Mat 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

THE SECOND GROUP Chief Priests and Scribes were: Unprepared: Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Mat 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

THE SECOND GROUP Chief Priests and Scribes were: Unprepared: Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

THE SECOND GROUP Chief Priests and Scribes were: Unprepared: Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

THE THIRD GROUP Herod hated the Messiah and tried to kill Him. Herod was an ungodly man who killed thousands of Jews. The Chief Priests and Scribes hated the Messiah and wanted to see Him put to death. Mar 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Mar 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. Mar 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.

THE THIRD GROUP Saul hated Christians and sought to destroy the body of Christ. Act 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Act 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Act 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: Act 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

IN CONCLUSION In what group do you belong? If you belong to the first group, this is what you can expect to hear: Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

IN CONCLUSION In what group do you belong? If you belong to the second or third group, this is what you can expect to hear: Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: