The King Has Come

Have you ever watched a movie or read a book and thought that world would be an awesome reality to live in?

*Collage photo*

What about of these options? Do you recognize them?

We are always drawn to worlds or kingdoms that just seem cool.

Our King didn’t show up just to be a teacher or good guy. He came as a King and to bring a kingdom that’s breaking into the world right now.

King is outdated?

We vote, we stream what we want, we customize our phones, playlists, clothes, and lives. We build our own little kingdoms everyday. We like being in control.

There’s the trust issue. We’ve seen people in power abuse trust, use it to hurt people, or just let people down.

If Jesus really is King, what does that mean for me?

It means I don’t get to be in charge. The story is bigger than me. The world doesn’t revolve around me, not matter how much I wish it did.

Here’s the thing Jesus is the King who came to bring a better kingdom- and He’s inviting you in to it.

We will be in Mark for the whole series and tonight we will begin in Mark 1.

Mark:

possibly the first of the Gospels written

believed to be written by Mark, close friend of Peter

seems to have written to Roman believers, or gentiles (non-Jews)

Highlights Jesus as the suffering servant of the Lord and came to serve mankind and sacrifice himself for their sake

Mark 1:1-15

v.1) No catchy intro just a bold claim

v. 2-3) references Isaiah connecting Jesus to the story of Israel and God’s promises

v. 4-8) JTB preparing the people

v. 9-11) The King is here!

v. 12-13) Jesus tempted just like Israel in wilderness

Mark 1:14–15 “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””

Break it down:

“proclaiming the gospel of God”

Jesus was a preacher; proclaimed the message of God’s rule and call out sin.

Jesus came with a message and invites us into the sharing of that message

“The time is fulfilled”

Entire OT points to the coming messiah, a deliverer.

2 Gr. words for time: chronos (chronological time) and kairos (strategic or God-appointed time); Kairos is used here, showing its significance.

Matches with how frequent Mark uses the word “immediately”

“the kingdom of God is at hand”

God’s reign is now, its breaking in.

Now is the time; this sense of urgency. Why? What the message is and what is asks of us.

“repent and believe in the gospel”

repentance is the picture of someone turning around or changing direction

repentance is something we do as we come to God

a person cannot enter Christ’s kingdom going the same direction they were headed beforehand

This is the good news, repentance of sin and belief in Jesus

Put our trust, allegiance, faith in who he is, what he did, is doing and will do

More than head knowledge; its understanding that leads to trust, devotion, dependence

This is the message of the King and his invitation of the Kingdom.

It means Jesus is inviting you into something bigger than your own story. His Kingdom isn’t about power, popularity, or control. It’s about repentance and belief. To stop chasing your own kingdom and start trusting Jesus with your life.

There’s no dual citizenship in this kingdom.

You can’t say Jesus is King and then build your own kingdom or live like you are the center of your life.

*Throne Picture*

Who/what sit’s on the throne of your life?

You? Your plans? Comfort? Preferences? Feelings? A relationship? A video game? A sport?

There are things that God, in His goodness, has given us, but they make terrible gods.

Or are you truly submitting to Jesus as King, letting Him lead, guide, and shape who you’re becoming?

Where have you been building your own kingdom? Maybe it’s trying to control your image on social media. Or putting all your hope in a relationship. Or chasing after success, attention, or escape. We all do it.

But Jesus is saying: “There’s something better. My Kingdom is here. I’m the King, and I want you to follow Me.”

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about responding. About trusting. About surrendering your own rule and saying, “Jesus, You’re in charge.”

Jesus didn’t just show up to make announcements. He came to live the life we couldn’t live and die the death we deserved. He came to take our rebellion, our sins, our broken kingdoms—and defeat them at the Cross.

And then He rose. He walked out of the grave. He proved He’s not just King—He’s a living King.

Our King has come. This King has conquered, and invites you into His Kingdom.

All you have to do is repent and believe.

When we trust Jesus, we’re not just forgiven—we’re welcomed into His Kingdom. We become citizens of something eternal. We get to walk with the King who knows us, loves us, and leads us. You receive it. You respond to it.

If that’s something you want to learn more about or talk with myself or your small group leader, we’d love to have that conversation with you.

Jesus is King. His kingdom is here and you’re invited

Let’s pray and go to small groups.