The Baby Grew Up

Nothing brings a smile as quickly as the innocent glow of an infant cuddled tenderly in the embrace of a mother's arms. We can easily lose awareness of the world around us while we watch in amazement the slightest movement or hear the sound of a small gurgle, or simply stare in wonder at the peaceful slumber of this precious gift.

Perhaps that helps us to explain why so many people get excited and find comfort in celebration of the birth of Jesus. The sight of the Son of God humbly lying in Bethlehem's manger is pleasant and soul-stirring. Heavenly hosts rejoiced and sang as they announced the birth of the child (Lk 2:10-14. Satan groaned and muttered at the enormity of the challenge that faced him; never had he met one with such a determination to resist temptation and sin--the crushing of his head was about to begin.

In spite of the fact that Bethlehem's baby came to bring the gift of salvation (Lk 2:29-33), he was despised and rejected. Many are fascinated with baby Jesus, but the baby grew up and the "grown-up" Jesus is not nearly as fascinating, appealing or easy to behold. The mission of Jesus put Him at odds with the world even though His mission was their salvation.

Jesus was willing to fulfill His mission regardless of the personal cost. What enormous love Jesus had for the world (Jn 12:23-28)! He was born in Bethlehem (left heaven to take on the form of a man) that He might die in Jerusalem on a cross of shame and agony. Between these two great events, Jesus challenged the conventional religious thinking of His day and called men to a higher plane of living.

He called on men to lose self-interest (Matt. 23:8-12). He challenged men to control their thoughts and held them answerable for thoughts as well as actions (Matt. 5:27-30). He called on men to have a single-minded devotion (Matt. 6:24, 33). As a result of His teaching, the adult Jesus was hated, and He is not as easy to look upon as the sweet, innocent baby in Bethlehem's manger.

If we want to receive the blessings of the peace proclaimed by the heavenly hosts many years ago, we must face the adult Jesus. We must move beyond the gurgling infant held tenderly in Mary's arms to see the one who died alone on Calvary's hill and who calls us to a life of humble obedience (Matt. 10:37-39; 11:28-30).

What about you and me? Do we want the Baby to grow up? Will we accept the man Jesus? Will we follow His teaching? Will we take upon us His yoke?

This article was written by John Smith. The church of Christ at Forum welcomes visitors and/or private home studies. See the link below for contact information: www.ForumCOC.org