Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

Responses to Jesus

By Katie Sweeting December 25, 2019 Devotion, Inspirational, Reflection

Blessed Christmas Day!

The Gospel of Luke is a pivotal text for the Christmas season. In Luke we see many different reactions to Jesus’ birth. Let’s look at a few of the people who reacted to Jesus and ponder our own response to Jesus.

When Mary was told by the angel, “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus” (Luke 1:31), her initial reaction was, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). Mary questioned how it was possible for her to be pregnant. I sometimes find myself questioning what God is telling me and wonder “how can this be?” This is one possible response to Jesus.

However, after hearing what the angel told Mary next, she embraced his words and responded by saying, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). There are times when we embrace God’s call on our lives, in spite of obstacles and challenges. God called my husband and me to Jersey City 15 years ago. We had no idea how the ministry at the church would progress, what it would be like to live in Jersey City, and how He would use us. I pray for all of us to respond to Jesus with willing hearts and acceptance of His call on our lives.

John the Baptist and Jesus “met” while both still in their mothers’ womb!

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41

For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. Luke 1:44

May we also leap for joy in response to Jesus and His work in our lives.

The angels sang praises to God at Jesus’ birth, and the shepherds, who were initially frightened, wanted to “see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us” (Luke 2:15b).

But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19

I want to be more like Mary, not just reading the Word, but pondering what it means for my life, growing closer to Jesus, allowing Him to guide and direct my life.

Simeon and Anna acknowledged that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy, and praised God for allowing them to see Jesus.

The Magi wanted to see Jesus so they could worship Him and bring Him gifts.

But all who heard about Jesus’ birth did not have a positive response. Herod was angry for being deceived by the magi and wanted to ensure he would remain king, so Herod “slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under…” Matthew 2:18.

Today, there are still many responses to Jesus — questioning, disbelief, indifference, anger, dismissal, embracing, worship, love, adoration. Every day we make a choice as to how we will respond to Jesus. May we choose to worship, love, adore and follow Him.

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