If JESUS…Had Not Been Born

Matthew 2:1–12 NKJV

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

JESUS is Extraordinary!

a. It is estimated that between 108-117 billion people have been born on this planet.

b. No one has come close to matching the influence of Jesus on this world.

c. Jesus is the most discussed, debated, and scrutinized Person who ever lived.

d. It’s hard to stay neutral about Jesus: You love Him or hate Him.

e. Every time men have tried to ignore, neutralize, and destroy the memory and influence of Jesus, His name and influence grow instead.

Jesus is Unparalleled!

Moral influence

Love

Money

Marriage

Goodness

Truth

Righteousness

Justice

Forgiveness

Artistic influence

Drawings

Paintings

Sculptures

Poems

Books

Music

Dramas

Movies

Media influence

News

Magazines

Radio

Television

Internet

Social Media

Humanitarian Influence

Hospitals and clinics for the sick.

Schools for the uneducated.

Shelters for the homeless.

Clothes for the naked.

Food for the hungry.

Water for the thirsty.

Visiting those in prison.

Hospitality to strangers.

Care for widows and orphans.

Compassion for the broken, bruised, and those hurting.

Recovery for those bound by addiction.

Relief in natural and man-made disasters.

Assistance for those oppressed by poverty.

Comfort for the grieving in times of loss.

Devotional Influence

No one has ever elicited a greater devotion from followers than Jesus.

Millions have carried His message—not for money, power, fortune, or fame but out of pure loving devotion for Him.

Scholastic influence

More schools and colleges were originally founded by Christians.

Early schools began to teach people how to read so they could read the Bible.

During the first 100 years of United States history, 128 colleges were established to prepare ministers, missionaries, and Christian leaders.

A World without JESUS

We would not be here in worship today.

There would be no Christmas season.

here would be no New Testament.

There would be no Churches.

Evil and oppressive governments would prevail on the earth.

The voice for Christian compassion, righteousness, and justice would be silent.

Nations and governments shaped by Christian principles would not have existed.

Christopher Columbus who was led by his faith would not have discovered the New World.

The United States of America, which was founded upon Biblical principles under the influence of Christian leaders, would not have existed.

Education would still be only for the elite.

The masses would not have the ability to read the Bible. The education of the masses to read and study the Bible is what fueled education.

The Industrial Revolution, which was fueled by the desire for education, would not have occurred.

Christian missionaries would not educate remote regions of the world.

There would be little compassion for the castaways of society (aged, diseased, unborn, impoverished, abandoned, abused, orphaned, neglected, hurting, oppressed).

There would be little demonstrations of charity (Salvation Army, Good Samaritan, Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing, Feed the Children, etc.).

There would be little change in attitudes toward women, children, and slavery.

There would be a different concept of freedom and justice (Forgiveness, Love for enemies, loving responsibility for our neighbor, etc.).

Life without JESUS

There would be no Savior.

There would be no Cross.

There would be no Resurrection.

There would be no forgiveness from sins.

There would be no salvation.

There would be no Christianity.

There would be no church family.

There would be no rescue from hell.

There would be no hope of heaven.

There would be no hope of reunion with loved ones.

There would be no hope for today.

There would be no hope for tomorrow.

There would be no hope of eternal life.

Because JESUS was Born...

Souls have been saved.

Love has been shown.

Acts of kindness have been done in His Name.

Marriages have been mended.

Families have been restored.

Physical bodies been healed.

People in bondage have been delivered.

Prayers have brought divine intervention and change.

Christian fellowship has been joyfully experienced.

Societal problems have been solved.

Wars have been prevented.

Debts have been cancelled.

Needs have been met.

Mercy, grace, and forgiveness have been extended.

Hearts have been mended.

Lives have been redeemed, transformed, and restored.

Response to the Word

JESUS HAS been born!

We have a Savior!

We have a King!

We have Hope!

We have Victory!

We have Peace!

We have Eternal Life!

We have Joy!

We have Purpose and Meaning in this Life!

We have Expectation of Glory after we Die!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

There is no Christmas without Jesus!

Invite this Jesus into your heart today! Be born again today!

Let Jesus be the Lord of your life!