The Crowning of the King

Introduction

The add for pet art. Imagine getting that! Disappointment.

Obviously fake vs Possibly fake

When you choose the impostor, you won’t be satisfied.

But the real thing is not only available to you, but He is accepting you.

The Ruler’s Ruse

Herod was in the right place - Jerusalem! Right thing - Scripture! Right sign - Star!

But false motivation - power. Impostor - led to his state of mind.

Killed two brothers, a wife, and two sons - threatened. Paranoia!

Why was Jerusalem troubled? Hundreds of Jews to be killed. More cruelty from the king.

Now, the Magi bring word of another threat to his rule…the actual king.

Herod’s life was void of peace because he was chasing after lies. A sad way to live!!

And when the opportunity for truth was given to them, when they heard it, ignored it. (Around 5 miles!!)

When you are presented truth, how will you respond?

When we put our faith / trust in false gods, we are empty.

When the light bulb was introduced, average sleep and mental health both declined. False light.

Affects our lives, our families, our priorities. Our satisfaction.

Is there anything that truly satisfies?

The Magi’s Mission

The Magi - wealthy (probably royalty). Seekers of truth, but had yet to find it.

They had been in the wrong place, but because they had the right thing, they followed the right sign.

This led them to an acceptance of the true light which led to true worship.

Gold, Frankincense, and myrrh. King. Priest. Sacrifice.

Worship allowed them to be satisfied as they went back home.

Focusing on the right thing produces a satisfied life.

The Savior’s Sacrifice

What do you get the person who has everything? Shopping for parents…adults.

Magi sought to give extravagant gifts to Jesus, but would receive much more.

First, Where did that dream come from? God. Jesus saved their lives.

Second, Even these men, as they brought these gifts to them, the great gift was given to them.

The long term plan! God was not surprised!

Third, Great Joy! Exactly what had been promised to the Shepherds.

A Shepherd-King that was promised. A servant and a ruler. (Not just reference to David.)

You can’t out give God. …His grace is always bigger.

You can’t out sin God. …His mercy is always bigger.

Because of the Cross. Starting from the manger, to the cross, but results in life.

Conclusion

I love giving gifts. Brings me joy. And, it’s nice to use the boys to buy more gifts for Vanessa.

But, I also really like getting gifts…funny, useful, nostalgic.

There is the opportunity to receive something great this Christmas. Something to be excited about.

Receive the greatest gift ever this year.

Forgiveness, Life, Hope, Purpose.

Colossians 2:2–3 ESV

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2–4 ESV

that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Mystery…like a wrapped gift. Can be revealed and given to you.

Colossians 2:1–4 ESV

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Mystery…like a wrapped gift. Can be revealed and given to you.

Col. 2: