Jesus is King!
1. David
The last king of
No king had reigned over the Jews since then.
But - God had made a promise, a covenant with King David that his line would reign over
God had promised a King, a Saviour, a deliverer, a Messiah.
But all had gone silent. The last prophet of God, Malachi, spoke about 460.BC - the last word from God was curse.
But now - angels, shepherds, the Holy Spirit is on the move!
2. Born King
Wise men from the East - we don't know exactly where or how many but we do know that by the time they came to
He is in a house - not in the cave
He is referred to as a child by Matt, a new born child in Luke. Not traditional Nativity scene!
Here are the wise men - a retinue of travellers.
- Inconvenience of journey.
- Cost of gifts
- Searching.
What for?
Notice what He is called - born King of the Jews! There are some instances in history of children being made king:
- Tutankhamen - age 9
- Edward 6th - age 9
- Josiah - 8
- but they didn't really reign until they get older; they have advisors, civil servants & counsellors - but King Jesus doesn't need any of that!
Even as a toddler, even as an infant He is Wonderful Counsellor & Mighty God! Even as a baby as He was held in Mary's arms, slung over Joseph's shoulder & burped -
Upheld by Mary but upholding the universe!
He didn't need time to develop or grow into the role! He is God! Fit to rule from eternity to eternity & fit to rule as a baby & fit to rule my life & yours right now!
Don't delay! Your life needs a king! He has proven Himself adequate & worthy - crown Him King today!
3. Palm Sunday
The N.T also tells us of another occasion where Jesus is called King - Palm Sunday -
Notice another similarity here? Similar to the angels - Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!
Matt tells us that He rode in as a humble King.
- King - not coming to wage war on His enemies but coming to make peace
- King - not coming to kill and slaughter those who rebel against Him but coming to die & be slaughter for those rebels.
- King - at the mercy of those who will soon beat Him & whip Him - but in full kingly control and laying down His life willingly.
Mary carried Him on a donkey 33 years previously; here He is riding a donkey willingly coming to die!
4. Crucifixion
Another occasion we see Him as King -
Not the King they expected - but the King promised! The king who came as a suffering servant; the humble king.
Who ever heard of a king who would die for His subjects? Who ever heard of one so mighty & majestic who would die for those who were rebels?
Normally those in authority come by force to overcome those who are enemies but King Jesus came to conquer by His cross.
5. King of Kings!
At the end of the Bible we see Jesus in all His power -
Jesus is coming again to this earth - not as humble suffering servant but a glorious King!
The Bible teaches that only those who own Him and crown Him Lord in this life will have a place with Him in His royal kingdom when He returns.
6. Response?
So? What is your response this Christmas season?
Do you look at a nativity scene and see a cute baby on the same level as a fairy story or something nice for the children?
Are we like those who mocked Him and just paid lip service to Him as King?
Or, do we recognise Him as One who was born King and who in fact always has been King of kings & Lord of lords?
6.1 Faithfulness of God in spite of all odds!
See the faithfulness of God in all of this and His ability to keep & fulfil His promises in spite of all the odds.
Over 1500 years before Jesus, Jacob prophesied of a coming King. That promise was focused in on the family of David. At times in
That's why the family trees in the Gospels are so important! It might make boring reading but as you look at the lists of this person had this child it traces back to King David! It shows that God keeps His promises!
In spite of opposition - God is faithful & able to do what He said.
Take that on board in you own life!
6.2 Status quo gets upset!
When King Jesus comes the status quo is challenged, the old order is overturned. Herod was disturbed & agitated at the news that there might be a rival king.
It was the same for Jesus' life - Either embraced or rejected:
Herod
Religious leaders on Palm Sunday
The crowd - no other king but Caesar.
Maybe the thought today of Jesus coming in your life as a King to rule and reign disturbs you - I hope it does - it shows you understand that things have to change when Jesus comes in!
I spoke to someone recently who just didn't want to see that God's word, the Bible, is a book to be obeyed. He looked upon it merely as suggestions.
But - crown Him king!
6.3 Worship
As I said, we are given no details of wise men, star etc - focus is on their mission - come to worship Him!
= common denominator of all occasions seen as King in N.T! (Wise men, crowd hosanna, centurion - praised God {
Is that you? Is that your response to the One who was born king, who came to suffer as a king, who died for those who rejected Him as king and who is King of kings & Lord of lords?
May our life be a life of worship to the king.
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