BABY JESUS AND BIG JESUS
We are at that time of the year when people's attention is drawn to the birth of Christ. The Bible does not tell us the date of His birth. We only know that "when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son…" (Galatians 4:4-5). We rejoice over that birth—as well as the earthly life, teaching, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, coronation, intercession, and promised return of Christ. How wonderful it would be if the world could be as excited about Christ the whole year 'round as it is at Christmas—though I am deeply thankful that at least once in a while people will give Him some thought!
How great it would be, too, if the world would be as attracted to the "Big" Jesus as it is to the "Baby" Jesus. Perhaps it is just part of human nature to be smitten by a baby. (I have never seen an ugly baby—at least one that I would say was ugly!)
As we approach what the world knows as Christmas, let us look again at the "Baby" Jesus, and then do some serious thinking about the "Big" Jesus.
Baby Jesus was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit and born in Bethlehem of Judea. All of this was in fulfillment of divine prophecy made centuries before the birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18 – 2:12; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2). (Let me encourage you to turn in your Bible and read this beautiful story of how our Savior came to earth. It will build your faith in the word of God and it will touch the hardest of hearts to read for yourself this wonderful story of God's love for all mankind). It is hard to see how anyone would not believe these passages of Holy Writ and rejoice greatly that our Savior was born and that the Word (Christ in his pre-fleshly existence with God the Father from all eternity) became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1-14).
But Jesus did not stay a baby. He grew to become a boy and then a man. As a boy, He was subject to Mary and Joseph (who married Mary after the birth of Christ, Luke 2:1-7, especially v. 5) (Luke 2:51). As a boy, Jesus advanced "in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. (Note: Parents today might well ask themselves, "How are my children growing and developing? What am I doing to train my children in these four areas of a well-balanced life?").
At about the age of thirty, Jesus was baptized, being immersed by John the Baptist (Baptizer) and began His ministry of teaching (Luke 3:21-23). However, His teaching did not sit well with many who heard Him, and it does not sit well with many people today—even with some who profess to follow Him. The adoration that people have for Baby Jesus does not always translate into adoration and agreement with Big Jesus.
Consider the following:
Jesus came to bring "peace on earth and good will among men" (Luke 2:14). But in another sense He did not come to bring peace but a sword and to cause division even among families when some family members choose to follow Christ and other family members reject Christ (Matthew 10:34-39). (Note: Christ bringing both peace on earth but also a sword is one of the great antinomies of scripture, a situation in which two seemingly contradictory statements are made, but which, in reality, are two contrasting yet reasonable and valid truths, two sides of the same coin).
Christ makes demands of people that they don't want to meet (Matthew 16:24-26). Christ taught things that people do not want to hear. He condemned anger and hatred toward others (Matthew 5:21-22. He said that lust was equal to adultery (Matthew 5:27-28). He permitted divorce and remarriage for only one reason (Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:1-9; Romans 7:4). He taught that the two greatest commandments was to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as he loves himself (Matthew 22:36-38) and to do to others as we would have them do to us (Matthew 7:12). He said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15).
Jesus taught that He is the only way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:11-12). He said that if people do not believe in Him they will die in their sins (John 8:24), and that if one does not repent he will perish. (Luke 13:3). He said if we do not confess Him before men, He will not confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32-33). Jesus taught the necessity of being baptized (immersed in water) in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; John 3:3-5). Many do not accept the "Big" Jesus on these matters.
Christ emphasized the necessity of obedience to God—instead of the substitution of pious deeds that one might do in His name. In other words, no one can buy or earn his or her way into heaven by just being a good person, with a good heart, and who does some good things along the way of their life (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus said things that caused people to to turn away from Him (John 6:66-68).
Yet in none of these things was Jesus trying to discourage people from becoming His disciples. In fact, He sought to do the very opposite. Big Jesus said (and still says), "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will fine rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). But such involves counting the cost and being willing to pay the price. (Luke 14:26-28).
So, at this season of the year, as we adore the Baby Jesus let us remember that the baby became a man who made demands. In many ways, He was the demanding Christ.
Are we big enough to commit ourselves to the Big Jesus?
Hugh Fulford
