The NT records a number of responses to Jesus Christ on the part of those who encountered him, both positive and negative.
Negative responses to Jesus Christ
Rejection
Matthew 21:42; Mark 7:5–8; Luke 4:28–30, Luke 10:16
Lack of faith
Mark 6:4–6 parallel Matthew 13:57–58
Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. And He was amazed at their unbelief. And He went around from village to village, teaching the people.
Questioning his authority
See also Mark 11:27–33 parallels Matthew 21:23–27, Luke 20:1–8
Hardening of hearts
Matthew 13:10–17; John 12:37–41
Attributing his power to satanic forces
And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!” But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that He drives out demons.”
Demanding his death
See also Luke 23:20–24; John 10:22–40
Positive recognition of Jesus Christ's identity
As Messiah
John 1:41 See also Luke 2:11, Luke 9:20; Acts 5:42
He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ).
As King
John 1:49 See also Matthew 2:1–2, Matthew 27:37
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
As Lord
John 6:68 See also John 13:13
Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.
As Son of David
And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.”
As Son of God
Acts 9:20 See also Matthew 8:29; John 1:34, John 1:49
Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
As Teacher
Matthew 19:16 parallels Mark 10:17, Luke 18:18 See also Matthew 23:10; John 11:28
Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?”
Responses to Jesus Christ by those whom he healed
Faith
Mark 10:52 parallel Luke 18:42 See also Matthew 8:13, Matthew 9:27–31; John 4:43–54
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Thankfulness
Witnessing to others
Luke 8:38–39; John 1:40–42, John 1:45–46, John 5:10–15, John 9:13–34
Responses to Jesus Christ by those whom he met and taught
Amazement
Matthew 7:26–29 See also Mark 12:17
But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell— and great was its collapse!” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
Delight
Faith
Matthew 8:10, Matthew 9:2, Matthew 9:22, Matthew 15:28; John 12:11, John 12:41–43
Repentance
Luke 19:8 See also Matthew 11:20; Mark 6:12; Luke 13:2–5
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
Obedience
Matthew 28:20; John 15:20, John 17:6
Worship
Matthew 2:2, Matthew 14:33; Matthew 28:9; Luke 24:52
Responses to Jesus Christ by those whom he redeemed
Faith
Acts 16:31 See also Romans 10:9–10; 1 John 3:23, 1 John 5:5
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Obedience
Romans 16:26; Philippians 2:12; Hebrews 5:8–9; 1 Peter 4:17
Calling on his name
Acts 9:14, Acts 9:21; Romans 10:13; 1 Corinthians 1:2
Giving thanks in his name
Glorifying his name
Proclaiming him to the world
Acts 5:42 See also Acts 8:5, Acts 16:10; Romans 15:19; Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 1:8
Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.