As we continue in our study of Matthew we see that after Christ is born the second chapter of Matthew records two opposite reactions to his birth.  Wise men from the east came to worship him.  King Herod immediately sought to kill him. Humble adoration and hostile opposition – that was the diverse response to Jesus from the beginning.

Jesus still elicits the same reactions today.  Last week a liberal commentator suggested that Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann and Governor Rick Perry were “dangerous” presidential candidates.  He claimed that since both were evangelical Christians they posed a threat to the spirit of diversity and tolerance that were needed in America.

While neither would be my personal choice for President, that comment illustrates today’s intensifying hostility toward Bible-believing Christians.  Those who worship Christ and believe that He is the only way to salvation are regarded as intolerant bigots seeking to impose their values on others.

Consequently, many compliant believers bend over backwards not to offend anyone.  Under the guise of being culturally sensitive they omit the “prickly” parts of the gospel and say just what itching ears want to hear.  They are so determined to make the gospel attractive and gain the world’s favor that they shout grace and whisper repentance. They seem to forget the gospel is a call to live counter culture.

While we need to speak the truth in love we shouldn’t panic when someone doesn’t like our message or speaks evil of truth. Jesus warned, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:18-19  NIV).

So don’t be surprised or intimidated by opposition. Jesus explained, “This is the verdict, light has come into the world but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19  NIV).

Herod hated Jesus not because the wise men failed to communicate the story in love but because he was an evil man and Jesus posed a threat to his selfish ambitions.

P.S. Newspapers are reporting this week that militant Muslims in Egypt are burning churches, a number of Christians have been killed and thousands are fleeing the persecution.  Hebrews 13:3 instructs, “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are suffering as if you yourselves were suffering.”   So remember our brothers and sisters who are oppressed in your prayers today.

** If you are enjoying this study through the book of Matthew with Bob Russell, be sure to check out Bob’s “Falling In Love With Jesus Again” Bible Study DVD and resources for your small group or church.