What think ye of Christ?

Is found in Matthew 22-42, and was asked by the Lord Jesus Christ. This question is personal as it is directed to us as individuals. It is also a question that demands an answer, and the answer that we give will reflect what we really do think of the Christ of God.

The question is one that comes in the time of the ministry of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, but was one that was answered at the time of the Christmas narrative, by the attitude and behaviour of those who were present at the time of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, or at least had heard of His coming into the world.

The narrative shows that there were a number of different people, who all had opportunity to respond and indicate what they thought about the Lord Jesus. Joseph, who was the husband of Mary was told of the name that was to be given to Him - namely "Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins," Matthew 1-21, and so it has ever been that all who have ever trusted Him for the forgiveness of their sins have found Him to be true.

Herod was another who had heard of the one that had been born, but "he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him," Matthew 2-3. Interesting! Why should any king be troubled at the birth of a baby? Note that the Lord Jesus was born King: not, to be King, Matthew 2-2. Perhaps the thought of Christ having a claim on our lives troubles us, maybe we feel that we're not going to be in control anymore - but then look where man has got himself by not allowing God and His Son their rightful place in the affairs of men. Needless to say, Herod had murderous objectives in order to be rid of the Lord Jesus, Matthew 2-16. Nothing had changed thirty-three years later when the Lord was crucified and the leaders and people of Israel, in effect demonstrated that they "wouldn't have this man to reign over us" Luke 19-14, as stated in the parable.

The wise men were a good deal different, because they came to worship Him, Matthew 2-2. This means that they appreciated Him and recognised His worth. Do we recognise the worth of the One who is sinless? (unlike ourselves). Do we appreciate He who left heaven, John 6-42, and came to live amongst men, John 1-14 - going to Calvary's cross, Luke 23-33, and there to die for our sin, 1 Corinthians 15-3, and thereby providing for our soul's salvation Romans 10-9?

We meet Simeon and Anna in Luke's Gospel, Luke 2-2 and 36. It was, Simeon, who "was waiting for the consolation of Israel", and God didn't disappoint him. Neither incidentally will He ever disappoint any who ever come to Him through His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Simeon also blessed God, as he held the Lord Jesus in his arms, v.28. When did we last bless God for the gift of His Son?

Anna, also gave thanks to God, and it is to be noted that she also spoke of Him, v.38. - Is God not well pleased when we speak well of His Son? Read Malachi 3-16 in the Old Testament for a similar thought.

The last to consider are the shepherds watching their flocks by night, Luke 2-8. It was to them that the angel came, and "brought tidings of great joy" leading to their resolve to "go and see this thing which is come to pass", which the Lord had made known to them, Luke 2-15. What a wonderful thing to have it made known to them by God Himself, concerning His Son from Heaven. Their attitude is revealed in the statement that "they made haste to see Him," Luke 2-16. Is our attitude to the Lord Jesus such that we have a desire to know Him, "who is Life Eternal", John 17-3, to see Him, and therefore to "be like Him for we shall see Him as He is", 1 John 3-2, and be with Him, "which is far better", Philippians 1-23? One effect of the hearing that the shepherds had been told, was that Mary "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart," Luke 2-19.

There is one Person, however, whose thoughts on the Lord Jesus Christ are not revealed in the narrative, but they are there in Scripture just the same. These are found in Matthew 17-5, and occurred over thirty years after the Saviour's birth. If God's thoughts are that He is "well pleased with His beloved Son", then should we not accept God's attestation of His Son? - hear Him, and accept Him for the loveliness of His Person and the work that He alone accomplished for us at Calvary; realising too, that God has revealed Himself to us, and indeed, "spoken to us by His Son," Hebrews 1-2; even in the days in which we live. He is still Emmanuel - God with us, Matthew 1-23.

What think ye of Christ?