The Coming King
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As we begin out time this morning I want us to look at .
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Luke 2
The scene was set. Jesus, Our King, was to be born to Mary and Joseph, in a stable for animals. He was placed in a feeding trough as a bed.
This is not the triumphant entry into the world, befitting a king, especially one that would be the Savior of all mankind.
But, it was an entry that showed from the very onset what He truly wanted to show us......it was was of complete humility.
Right…God didn’t care about status or power.... He already had that. But as a human, it was humility that was needed to be shown and He continued to show that.....
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-
And then Luke changes the scene for us...
In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors! When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
The first people to bow before this King of the World was not some foreign dignitary, not nobles, not the elite but lowly shepherds, who would then go on to be the first evangelists to share what they had just seen of the Messiah.
Jesus came to this world in humble means, took on the form of a servant, taught the world what is needed to follow God and died for all humanity.
But, that’s not where this ends and as we will see this morning. He came once. Lived a perfect life. Was nailed to cross. Took on the full wrath of God to atone our sings for us. He died and raised from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God the Father and .......He is coming again.
Are you ready for it?
Pray
We are to be prepared for those that would draw our focus away from Christ!
We are to be prepared for those that would draw our focus away from Christ!
Before we get into chapter 24, I think it’s important to take a step back and look at chapter 23.
As we begin this final discourse of Jesus, he continues to equip and edify the disciples in the truth. Jesus wanted us to know what was to come and not to worry about it.
In chapter 23, Jesus had just been teaching in the temple and his message was aimed towards the religious leaders and their lack of care for the truth of what God requires of us. Jesus goes as far as to call them out-Hypocrites 6 times, Fools, Blind Men-
Jesus wanted us to know what was to come and not to worry about it.
“Snakes! Brood of vipers! How can you escape being condemned to hell?
Up to this point Jesus had shown his authority as King. Faced rejection and still walked a difficult path preaching the truth while being faced with constant opposition. All while equipping the disciples .
You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?
You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?
So, here Jesus leads with the woes against the hypocrisy that was taking place.
Matthew 23:3
The travesty of hypocrisy is disastrous:
Hypocrisy affects the well being of others.
Hypocrisy leads to trying to justify sin.
Hypocrisy encourages us to play a part outwardly.
Hypocrisy lashes out at the truth.
Hypocrisy leads to destruction.
This is the sum of what Jesus had just dealt with in chapter 23. People were more wrapped up in themselves and what they wanted and were forsaking true teaching and the truth of Gods Word.
So, we catch up in chapter 24...
As we begin this final discourse of Jesus, he continues to equip and edify the disciples in the truth. Jesus wanted us to know what was to come and not to worry about it.
Read 24
Jesus had just told the disciples what was to come to the temple
As Jesus left and was going out of the temple, his disciples came up and called his attention to its buildings. He replied to them, “Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down.”
Matthew 24:1-2
-Just came out of the temple from 23...
Hypocrites, Fools, Blind Men,
-Jesus has just left the temple for the last time where he had just finished some pretty intense teaching.
-Temple is a big, beautiful building...
-Disciples are most likely incredibly enamored by it and probably expected Jesus to show some of that same expression.....
-Because Jesus is not concerned with a man made structure.
-Jesus is more concerned with what is happening on the inside of the His people.
Godly living is what Christians should be focused on.
Godly living is what Christians should be focused on.
-They were not and when we aren’t living Godly lives disaster is something we that will happen. And this instance meant the destruction of their beautiful place of worship.
Are you focused on Christ?
Is your day to day just that or are you living day to day for Him?
God’s plan will be fulfilled regardless of the opposition in this world.
God’s plan will be fulfilled regardless of the opposition in this world.
(Verses 3-8)
We now see where Jesus is making very bold statements....King like statements...
The disciples want to know when this is going to happen.
Jesus goes on to describe these events that will take place......
Verses 5-14
Going back to the first point I made...... of all the terrible events he describes, he gives warning. Here is the first-
Jesus replied to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many.
Matthew 24:4-
Jesus is coming out swinging here to make a point. Of all the things that will come, here is by far the worst one.
Do not let anyone decieve you so that you abandon the truth that I and only I bring.
Wars, Nation against Nation, Kingdom against Kingdom, Famine, earthquakes
Quick Warning Alert-
And these are just the beginning......
V.6- But he also wanted us to remain calm. He tells the disciples here, do not be alarmed. Not every little thing that happen is the end times and guess what, this all HAS to happen....
And these are just the beginning......
Birth pain- Jesus uses this analogy. It is an incredibly painful experience for a woman but it starts off slow and builds and builds and increases. The same will be with the return of Christ. These things will take place and build in frequency and intensity until Jesus returns in power and glory.
Vs. 9-14- He goes on...
Persecution, murder, hate, betrayal
He brings it around again…False Prophets will rise up and deceive many.
Hated for his name sake...........
This section makes me incredibly sad.......
our love, the love that He has shown us will grow cold.
Here is the HOPE though.....
But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
.........
Regardless of what this life throws at us, Gods plan will be fulfilled.
Do you believe that?
Does that belief dictate how you live? Cause it should.
King Jesus wants us to be prepared for what is to come.
King Jesus wants us to be prepared for what is to come.
We have this big therefore moment in verse 15.
And as we see in verse 15-28, destruction will come quick, without much warning and there will be a need to heed the prophecy of Christ.
The ultimate fulfillment of this will be when the Antichrist takes control of the most holy place as we see in:
He will make a firm covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and offering. And the abomination of desolation will be on a wing of the temple until the decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.”
This evil individual in the midst of their “reign” will set up an abomination that will cause great desolation.
He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s temple, proclaiming that he himself is God.
And church, i wish we had time to explore the full extent of this moment but we don’t. Maybe at another time.
But here is some take away from this, Jesus tells the disciples so they understand the great horror of this- This will be the worst suffering the world has ever seen, ever.
For at that time there will be great distress, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again.
........
Jesus, Our King, is coming again and that is our motivation to be faithful.
Jesus, Our King, is coming again and that is our motivation to be faithful.
Matthew 24:29-51
Jesus has mentioned of all this distress that will begin to take place and he continues to mention some more....the sun will be darkened, the moon will be not shed light, the stars will fall from the sky and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
We are to be ready for that moment, we are to be faithful to what we have been told by Him.
We are to be ready for that moment, we are to be faithful to what we have been told by Him.
Read Romans-
Read Romans-
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Jesus has mentioned of all this distress that will begin to take place and he continues to mention some more....the sun will be darkened, the moon will be not shed light, the stars will fall from the sky and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Jesus has mentioned of all this distress that will begin to take place and he continues to mention some more....the sun will be darkened, the moon will be not shed light, the stars will fall from the sky and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
But…then a sign will take place. And Jesus will return… a return that is met with the majesty of a King, not that of his first coming....which was that of a lowly servant.
He will literally appear in the sky, coming in on the clouds of heaven with power and glory. His angels will sound the trumpet and those that believe will join Him.
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
Jesus then turns his attention from Him coming again to how, we-His servants, should behave while we await that moment.
We are to be ready for that moment, we are to be faithful to what we have been told by Him.
Read Romans-
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
He is coming again and he wants us to know it, to remember it, to share it!
Are you remaining faithful, particularly when times get tough?
Are you living as living sacrifices for Him?
He is coming again....be prepared for it.
That all the things of this world will pass away but His words, His truth will never pass away.
And we must be ready for it. No one knows the time or place or day and anyone who claims to is a false teacher.
Church, are you ready?
How do we know.....We will know by the things He has told us.
This is why you are also to be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Read verses 40-41
We are to be ready for that moment, we are to be faithful to what we have been told by Him.
Read Romans-
Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding grain with a hand mill; one will be taken and one left.
Being ready for His return is paramount..... this tells us that some will not be when He returns.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Are you ready?
We cannot grow weary, we cannot allow ourselves to drift, our attention to lose focus. We must remained focused on Him, because He is coming again.
We must remain faithfully obedient as we expectantly wait for His coming again!
We must remain faithfully obedient as we expectantly wait for His coming again!
Like what we have seen before, Jesus wants us to know what is expected during His absence.
Read
For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew B. The King Says, “Invest Your Life for Me” (25:14–30)
Every Christian is entrusted with some responsibility for the kingdom. Some will take this seriously and invest their lives wisely, and others will squander this responsibility. The part of the kingdom entrusted to each of us is precious to the Lord. He is hurt by the mishandling of a lifetime of opportunity; but he rejoices over a lifetime well spent. He has placed in our hands what is his own. This is a sobering thought—to be stewards of kingdom resources.
Verse 16-18
We see that the first two were prompt and did not miss opportunity. In some versions this says at once or immediately the went. The third, opted to play it safe and missed the opportunity.
In the same way, we must be willing to obey Christ in all things, even if that obedience requires great risk on our part. To play it safe, to be idle, reflects our lack of knowing what is required of us by our Savior.
Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew B. The King Says, “Invest Your Life for Me” (25:14–30)
Every Christian is entrusted with some responsibility for the kingdom. Some will take this seriously and invest their lives wisely, and others will squander this responsibility. The part of the kingdom entrusted to each of us is precious to the Lord. He is hurt by the mishandling of a lifetime of opportunity; but he rejoices over a lifetime well spent. He has placed in our hands what is his own. This is a sobering thought—to be stewards of kingdom resources.
Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew B. The King Says, “Invest Your Life for Me” (25:14–30)
fail to believe the Lord enough to obey him, revealing a lack of faith through passive spirituality and failure to step out in “risky” obedience.
Every Christian is entrusted with some responsibility for the kingdom. Some will take this seriously and invest their lives wisely, and others will squander this responsibility. The part of the kingdom entrusted to each of us is precious to the Lord. He is hurt by the mishandling of a lifetime of opportunity; but he rejoices over a lifetime well spent. He has placed in our hands what is his own. This is a sobering thought—to be stewards of kingdom resources.
Too often, believers fail to believe the Lord enough to obey Him, showing a lack of faith through passive spirituality and failure to step out in “risky” obedience.
Too often, believers fail to believe the Lord enough to obey Him, showing a lack of faith through passive spirituality and failure to step out in “risky” obedience.
Holman New Testament Commentary: Matthew B. The King Says, “Invest Your Life for Me” (25:14–30)
fail to believe the Lord enough to obey him, revealing a lack of faith through passive spirituality and failure to step out in “risky” obedience.
Church, we must wake up and realize that much has been entrusted to us and our responsibilities run very deep. In our relative life of ease, we allow ourselves to be too easily lulled to sleep and swayed away from what has been tasked to us by our King.
I wish we had time to break this down even further but the central point Jesus is wanting us to see is that when we have faithfulness to Him, the great reward is ours. But if we have unfaithfulness, which means we are more concerned with ourselves, we will not receive the great reward of the King.
To reject Him, to reject this great reward of salvation means only one thing-condemnation.
King Jesus will return for His flock and that should bring us great joy!
King Jesus will return for His flock and that should bring us great joy!
I continued watching in the night visions, and suddenly one like a son of man was coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. He was given dominion, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13-14
Read 25:31-46
There will be a point when all is said and done. We will have run the race, been given opportunity after opportunity to be faithful and obedient. Following Him and only Him.
And we will be told and shown that there is no more we can do. It has been completed.
And at that moment, as our King returns, All the nations, not some, not the good ones, not the really bad ones, but ALL will gather before Him and He will separate the people. The sheep from the goats. The righteous from the unrighteous.
And He will say to the righteous, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Then he will look at the unrighteous and say, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger and you didn’t take me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of me.”
All of us will stand before the judgement seat of our King and answer for our actions, whether good or evil. This is why our acceptance and continued faithfulness and obedience is so important. Our eternal destinies are dependent by which group we find ourselves.
But, for those that have accepted Him and are striving to be faithful, our King speaks on our behalf.
then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Hebrews
............
Fruit of the Spirit-Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faith, Self Control
These are things we should strive for because of what has been and is and is to come.
Matthew even shows us in Jesus’ parable of the talents. When we are faithful and focuses on Him, we share in his joy!
So, for the believer, who can boldly say, I’m secure in His hands, I believe in who King Jesus is has assurance of the reward should find great joy in that.
Closing
Closing
Closing
Gospel Presentation
It is worth mentioning that this was Jesus’ last teaching to his disciples before we enter into the passion account.
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
And what does he leave them with.......this teaching for their daily life.....that the way they treat others is important. The lowly, the needs and the seemingly unimportant has great significance. Humility above all is to be cherished.
It reminds us of His first coming......that the lowly and seemingly unimportant shepherds were the first to bow and to proclaim.
Church, He came into this world the first time humbly to teach us, to show us. He did that. His Words continue to echo through time.
He will come into this world again, but this time it will not be under such meek conditions, but of that which is deserving of a King.
Are you ready for that? I sure you hope so.
If