Celebrate The King

Matthew 2:1–6 (ESV)

1 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, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

Introduction:

Lifeway conducted a poll a few years ago that ask people if they were able to tell the Christmas story from memory. The results of the poll revealed:

Slightly more than 1 in 5 Americans (22%) say they could accurately tell the Christmas story found in the Bible from memory. A plurality of U.S. adults (31%) say they could tell the story but may miss some details or get others wrong. Another quarter (25%) could only give a quick overview and 17% say they couldn’t tell any of it.

Of this online survey of 1,005 Americans the results further revealed that more than half of the people celebrating Christmas do not know the story of Christmas.

I really want us to leave here today understanding why we celebrate Christmas.

DT: We celebrate Christmas because Christ is the true king of our lives.

AIM: We will share the story of Christ the King to all those

Christ Was Born King (v.2)

2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When Christ was born He was already king. Jesus did not have to wait to be crowned king. He came into the world already a king.

The Magi were courageous

They sought to worship a new born king

The announced this to the tyrannical and feared king of Judah.

- These guys had to have heard of Herod. His reputation at that time was not the best of reputations. But they were determined to worship Jesus!

Application: Commemorate the birth of Christ as the plan of God for our salvation. He loves His subjects so much He subjected Himself to humiliation and suffering so that we may live free from the penalty of sin.

His birth as King is testament to His love for all who will serve and worship Him. Christmas is not merely about a baby but a king who was born for the sake of the world.

Christ is King of Kings (v.3)

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;

Herod is threatened by the thought of there being another King and did not like the fact there was a remote possibility that a another king is in the area.

Herod did not realize that Christ is King of Kings.

Herod and others misunderstood Christ’s Kingdom and His reign.

The kingdom of Christ is not limited to the physical terrain marked by boundaries and territories. Christ’s kingdom is not confined to this world.

He has authority over all people, all land, and all kings.

Application: Acknowledge Christ as the authority in your life. Because we know He is King of Kings we know that He deserves loyalty from we His subjects.

Do not fear the world because our King has conquered the world. You can place you trust in the king.

Christ is The Promised King (vv. 4-6)

4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

This is no accident nor any myth. Christ was and is the King the prophets spoke of.

The prophets have prophesied of His coming

- He is not mythical

- He is not legend

Application: