Where is the King?

If you have a bible open it up to Matthew 2. I have titled the message today Where is the King?

Pray with me…

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas I enjoyed the services last week, but I am excited to get back to preaching in the gospel of Matthew this week. I hope you have some of your Christmas Spirit still in you because this story often gets lumped in to the Nativity, even though its portrayal is quite inaccurate.

Let me read you the text tell you what I want you to get out of it and unpack it together.

Matthew 2:1–12 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.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

What I want you to get out of the text today is this…

Those who know the true king will do whatever it takes to fully worship him.

Verse 2 asks a really important question one that is going to control the argument of my sermon today.

Matthew 2:2 ESV

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.”

The last couple of weeks we have talked about the promise of his coming, the revelation given to Mary, and Joseph, but we have left out the wise men or the Magi as they are also know.

Many of us know a song about the magi we three kings, unfortually that song may not be that biblical accurate. Because we don’t know if there were three kings, we just know about the three gifts and we will talk about that later one but its quite possible there were 10 20 even 30 or more men making this journey from the east they went west to find what was under that star.

These men were astrologers they studied the stars. These men had influence. These were not just random men staring about and said wow look at that star it sure is bright lets travel possibly thousand of miles to see what is under that star.

These were men of power of wealth and that is why I believe there were more than just three of them.

In fact scholars talk about how we learn about these men in the book of Daniel. One guy even said… Its likely these men were influenced by Jewish teachings. Now through their study of the stars they were drawn by a star on a journey to worship the One born King of the Jews.

So these powerful people from a far away land go naturally to Jerusalem to where another King is at. King Herod. Bethlehem is not far from Jerusalem in fact its only 6 miles away. So these magi end up in the heart of Isreal. Looking for the King.

first point is this.

The True King location is found in the scriptures.

I referenced a moment ago that its likely that these people knew that there would be a day where a king would come and the stars would show that very thing.

And you find in numbers. Numbers 24:16-17

Numbers 24:16–17 ESV

16 the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: 17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.

Now who says this in scripture is even more interesting. Its Balaam a Magician himself a seer, and Balak the King of Moab called for Balaam to put a curse of the people of God. But unfortually for Balak God does not allow that curse to take place in fact God calls him to bless the people of God. And Balaam in some of his final words in scripture says what I just read you. Which ends us being a prophecy of the Lord Jesus Christ coming. something that the Jews should not have missed.

Magi from the Far east not dedicated Jews knew it was the Christ. So these magi came expecting to see the Christ found Herod instead.

What a let down if you ask me at least at the moment. Because Herod was not a good guy. Herod had been given control of Judea in 40bc. He thought he was king of the Jews. He was murder he killed those who got in his way. He killed his wives his sons. so when he hears from these magi saying we came for the king of the Jews. He was troubled. ( NT scholars say this language could go so far and say that he was terrified, because if there was another king to be born it would take away his role.

Not did this only affect him but it says all of Jerusalem was troubled. So Herod gets some people together asking the question where is Christ suppose to be born, and they say Bethlehem

The people who say this are people who know the scriptures these are the Chief Priests and the Scribes.

The Chief Priests represented Jewish worship. They had become more corrupt than actual leaders. The Scribes were one who were like lawyers they knew the law, they taught the law and they were in charge of all the traditions of the land.

So Herod when he inquired about this did not just ask some random people he asked the elite of that time. They not only told him, but quoted the scripture of where the Christ would be born. The scripture showed them where the King was to be. Yet the scribes did not go see him the chief priests did not go see him neither did Herod himself. Goes to show you friends that you can know this book have all the titles and yet not truly believe it.

I mentioned this last week but the quotation from verse 6 is from Micah 5:2

Micah 5:2 ESV

2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Now notice Matthew changes a few things to get the reader to understand his context. Remember in Chapter 1. He hammered home the point to the people that Jesus was going to be from the line of Judah coming from the line of David. He wants the readers to remember that very thing. He highlights that Bethlehem a place of little importance would be a major city because Christ the King the true King would be born there. Who would not rule like King Herod, but rule like a Shepherd.

Next point this morning is this.

The True King rules like a Shepherd.

I had to highlight this this morning because unlike Herod who was all in it for himself, Jesus would be a King that was for the people. Last week as we read Lukes account of the birth narrative I highlighted to you that the first people who came to worship the Lord and be glad were the Shepherds. The lowest of lows, and King Jesus led and ruled like that.

In 2 Sam 5:2 It says..

2 Samuel 5:2 ESV

2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’ ”

The Kings primary job was to shepherd the people to look out for the people, to provide the needs of the people, but some how along the way the kings lost that job description. All the kings had a sin problem, but the King the good shepherd was going to come a lead his people the right way.

John 10. Speaks so clearly of this.

John 10:1–18 ESV

1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

See Herod was a king who would take someones life to maintain his own life we will see that more next week, but the great Shepherd Jesus Christ reigns as King who will lay his life down for his sheep. The people of Jerusalem wanted a king to come and take Rome out of their lives, but they needed a king that would take sin out of their lives. Jesus the good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep. That means he died for me and you and all who would believe in him, and he ruled in such a way that proved he was unlike any other king.

I want you to take note of this as well.

Third point this morning is this.

The True King poses a threat to life as we know it.

Herod got all this information and seems that he is trying to trick the wise men. Trying to find more information about this star? Why is this? Because he knows Jesus is a real threat to his life to the way he was living, we already know that Herod had people killed what was it to him to kill a baby.

I really like what one man said, and it fits perfectly into the point I am trying to make here. He says… you see, Jesus is a real threat to anyone and everyone who thinks seriously about him. If Jesus is king and you can almost hear in Herod's dungeon the prophetic voice of John the Baptist before his beheading (cf. 14:4) —it means you're not. It means your dethronement. It means your submission. It means you can't lead your life any longer, as Herod did and as I suggest these new atheists do, by the dictates of your unrepresented immoral desires? If Jesus is who he says he is, you either love him or you hate him! Which is exactly what Jesus said: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.' I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" (10:34). This is no nice Christmas story. This is a nasty conflict of kingdoms.

The True King coming was going to change everything about the history of this world. Herod knew it, the people of Jerusalem knew it, the wise men knew that is why they came. See Herod wants to know everything he can about Jesus because he wants to get rid of him. Thats why he tells them in private. Go find him and come back to me. He says so that he can worship him, which is a lie he wants to destroy him.

See like the man I quoted just said Jesus birth his coming, and his life and his death is a threat to life as we know it. But for the believer its wonderful news, but for those who want to hang on to their life its the worst news they could ever here, because his coming means we can’t remain the same we must respond, and the wise men respond in the right way.

Next point this morning is this.

Those who know the True King worship him properly.

So the wise men leave, and the star comes back. It actually moves. Which goes to show the power of God. It may remind you of the Pillar of cloud by day and fire at night guiding the people as they made this great exodus from Egypt. And as they made their long journey following the star they were lead to the Son. And despite what we think about the nativity scene its likely Jesus was at this time several months old but less than 2 because of what we will see next week.

and when they showed up they were filled with joy. in fact the bible says here great joy. And they fell down and worshiped here.

J.C. Ryle said this about this verse. We read of no greater faith than this in the whole volume of Scripture. This is incredible to me. Before Jesus could cure the sick, heal the blind, do countless miracle after miracle we see men from a far away land who were truly great in their own context fall down and worship the incarnation of Jesus Christ in the flesh.

It was not King Herod it was not the Chief Priests it was not the scribes it was these wise men and before the shepherds who rejoiced at the coming the Lord Jesus Christ. And not only did they rejoice but they brought gifts fit for a king.

I want you to know something about the context here when people brought gifts from the far east it meant that they thought the person whom they were bringing gifts for was far superior then them. Remember these people are of high standing and they traveled the world knowing something greater has come.

And so they bring gifts, and I believe these gifts meant something. Scholars are all over the place on their actual meaning, but I land in this camp about the gifts.

Gold, emphasizing Jesus' royalty: Throughout Scripture, whether these wise men realized it or not, gold is associated with royalty —kings, queens, and princes. Gold has symbolized royalty in many places. I may have told you this before, but years ago Megan and I went to Paris and to a train to the city of Versai and in that city is palace worth 50.7 billion dollars and its flooded with gold everything. Jesus worth more than price of Gold, but friends he is not worth less.

Frankincense, emphasizing Jesus' deity: Frankincense was used in the Old Testament not only for royal processions, but also in various offerings to God. When it is used in the Old Testament, frankincense usually refers to something related to the worship or service of God

Leviticus 2:1 ESV

1 “When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it

Myrrh, emphasizing Jesus' humanity: Myrrh was basically a perfume with many different purposes.

These gifts show us that giving is a form of worship, and when we give we give extravagantly because of who our King is.

Going back to Myrrh one man said this.. Whereas frankincense would be associated with the worship of God, myrrh is more associated with the anointing of man. This is quite fascinating, particularly in light of other appearances of myrrh in the Gospels. Jesus was presented myrrh as a King in a cradle. However, in Mark 15:23 when Jesus was being hoisted onto the cross, Mark tells us that they offered Him "wine mixed with myrrh." So not only was Jesus presented with myrth as a King in a cradle, He would be offered myrrh as a King on a cross. John 19:38-42 tells us that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea used myrrh to prepare Jesus' body for burial in the tomb.

" In this gift of myrrh, given soon after Jesus' birth, we have a foretaste of His impending death. He came for one reason —Jesus was born to die.

He came to take the payment and penalty for our sins on Himself. And this shouldn't be a surprise, for Matthew has already told us through the angel's announcement that Jesus came to "save His people from their sins" (1:21). See, then, in Jesus' birth the significance of His death on your behalf. God loved the world so much that He sent His Son to live a life of perfect obedience, a life we couldn't live, and then to die the death we deserved to die. Jesus then rose from the grave in victory over sin and death, so that whoever believes in Him will never perish, but have eternal life John 3:16). Bethlehem is a key part of this gospel message. Like the wise men, let us put aside our pretense and our pride, and let's worship this King.

Now before I leave this pulpit I have to ask you the question… Where is the King in your own heart???

Have you sought him through the scriptures seeking to find him, seeking to go to him, seeking to worship him. To give him all you have? Or are you just like Chief Priests and Scribes knowing about him knowing the facts but not willing to go and find him to worship him, because if you do its going to change your life. Or are you like Herod wanting to inquire more about him so you can seek to try to Destroy him.

The reality is this… There is only one true King, one true ruler. and He says this. John 18:33-37

John 18:33–37 ESV

33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

Jesus came to be born to bring in a new kingdom that would disrupt all the kingdoms to follow and the truth is that all those who know him are going to listen to him to head his words and repent and fall down and worship the true king who came into a small insignificant town to bring life to the smallest of cities to the greatest of cities and all the kingdoms of the world.

The wise men left with hearts changed by the Lord after a dream and did not return to Herod, did not return to their previous life because they knew where the true king was…

So where is he in your heart today. End this year by saying. Jesus is the King of my heart he may be reigning in heaven by he reigns in my heart as well. And I will seek to not only know him, but follow him and give to him all my days. Let us pray.