The Birth of the King

Jesus is the Messiah. While He was born as the promised King of Israel, fulfilling prophecy, He was also a different King than they expected. Very different, at times.

Matthew took great pains to show both aspects: he was different, but He was promised…and He was definitely the King.

If you missed all, or part, of last week’s information-dense message it is available on our website at sheldonvillebaptist.org/messages for your review.

When it comes to a king’s origin story, you basically have two options:

A king or other powerful person has a son who grows up schooled in all that kings need to know and eventually steps into the role of king and is a good king because he was well prepared.

A common person born to common parents raised in a common way is suddenly propelled to kingship due to some uncommon conflux of circumstances. He is a good king because he is in touch with the common people and somehow, instinctively knows how to be a king.

While the first scenario is apt to produce more stability, the second scenario produces more drama and so we favor it. But that has not always been the case. People who live under a monarchy recognize that there is a great many things that a king needs to know that a commoner simply doesn’t.

High drama through many ages was the king who was born to be a king who exercised his gifts for his people instead of for himself.

Jesus’ birth story presents us with a third option. It—like so many other things—demonstrates that He was a different kind of king. In Jesus’ story, we get the rags to riches motif that we like and the actual king who actually knows what He’s doing component that we need.

Matthew 1:18–25 NKJV

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

A Familiar Story

The story of Jesus’ birth is abundantly familiar to most people in western culture as we rehearse it literally every year. It almost seems awkward to talk about it in the middle of summer since we are accustomed to reading these verses in December only.

We should make sure that familiarity does not breed contempt…or carelessness, there is always more to see and learn that we ever can.

A Little Bible (Goes A Long Way)

Prepositions Matter

God chose Joseph and Mary, not just Mary

Matthew 1:18 NKJV

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

Some people put too big an emphasis on just Mary that the Bible does not support.

Joseph and Mary had a normal married relationship after Jesus was born

Matthew 1:25 NKJV

25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Here again, some people make assertions about Mary’s perpetual virginity that the Bible simple does not support. Matthew will later tell us about Jesus’ brothers and sister (Matthew 13:55).

Communication Matters

Matthew 1:20 NKJV

20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

A Personal Visit

We know from other passages that Mary received a personal visit from an angel

A Dream Visit

Joseph received his visit in the form of a dream

A Biblical Visit

The rest of us have to content ourselves with reading Matthew’s account and knowing that he wasn’t there either. The advantage is the word travels further this way. Plus, we get the necessary cross reference to Isaiah 7:14 that reminds us that the King fulfilled prophecy even before He could do so Himself.

What are we to make of all these different types of communication? God speaks to us in the way that will best accomplish communication. This theme is often—though subtly—reiterated throughout the Bible.

God may call us up to His level but He comes down to communicate with us at our level.

Choices Matter

Matthew 1:24 NKJV

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,

Joseph’s will was not overwritten and he was not forcibly compelled. Yes, he was ordered. But orders require obedience, they do not compel it. Joseph, chose to obey. Though his obedience was essential, it was also voluntary.

The choices in our life are no less essential and no less consequential. They are also no less voluntary. Too often, our story is not what it could have been or should have been because we made poor choices. That is a fixable problem. Trust God enough to choose to follow the orders He has given. They are for our good and His glory!

A Complicated Beginning

Joseph and Mary were godly and obedient

Joseph and Mary faced financial and relational hurdles at the outset of their relationship

Joseph and Mary were not perfect, but they were perfectly willing and perfectly situated to fulfill God’s purpose

Faithfulness does not require drama, but it may produce some. We serve a different kind of King: though He came as a helpless baby at an awkward time, He was still fully God. Though He was in control of all things at all times, He allowed Joseph and Mary to voluntarily participate in His plan.

The story of the birth of the King is truly timeless, but the reminder that God calls us to join Him in His work.

Questions for Review (Courtesy of Logos AI)

What does the sermon suggest about the nature of Jesus as a different kind of king compared to traditional kings?

How does the birth story of Jesus fulfill prophecy according to the sermon?

What is the significance of Joseph's role in the birth story of Jesus?

Why is it important not to let familiarity with the story of Jesus' birth lead to carelessness, based on the sermon?

How does the sermon address the different types of communication God uses, particularly in the context of Joseph and Mary?