Untitled Sermon (2)

Babies are so sweet! There’s just something about a baby that makes you smile. Here at Crosspoint, we are blessed with several babies in our nursery. We love every one of them!

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

O Come let us adore Him!

We need to get back to showing respect to one another. We can disagree and still show respect and honor. We can even show respect while not supporting the choices of another person!

The Bible tells us about a birth so spectacular it was foretold hundreds of years before it came to pass. The event was announced by heavenly messengers as the angelic host appeared to shepherds.

Babies are so sweet! There’s just something about a baby that makes you smile. Here at Crosspoint, we are blessed with several babies in our nursery. We love every one of them!

The Bible tells us about a birth so spectacular it was foretold hundreds of years before it came to pass. The event was announced by heavenly messengers as the angelic host appeared to shepherds.

This birth was like none other because for the first time ever, God became a man.

Society has adopted the mentality that as long as I like someone and/or they are doing something for me, then I will show them respect, but if they no longer seem to be adding anything to my life or if they do something I don’t like, they are trash.

Even the heavens themselves could not contain the news. A star shone so brightly that it was clearly distinguished from the others. Men who had studied astronomy, philosophy, religion, and distant cultures knew the prophecy and recognized this as “his star.”

This birth was like none other because for the first time ever, God became a man.

It is easy to see how self-centered this mentality is and how we who are believers in Jesus Christ and called to reach every person with the Gospel cannot afford to allow this to be our mindset.

We should respect and honor a person for many reasons, the most basic reason is because God loves them and He wants us to love them too. You will strive to honor those you truly love. That is regardless of what they do or don’t do.

We are commanded by God to honor our leaders and pray for kings and for all that are in authority.

I recently met a man who is running for Congress. He said that he would be honored to have my support in the race. I told him that I look forward to getting to know him better to see if his policies and positions were in line with the Word of God.

It led them to Israel. They went to the king’s palace to find this special baby.

I cannot just say that I will vote for him because He is a nice guy or because of his party affiliation. As Americans, God has blessed us to live free and to have certain freedoms that must be stewarded wisely.

God with us

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

If I am going to support someone or follow a leader I want to know some things about them.

Even the heavens themselves could not contain the news. A star shone so brightly that it was clearly distinguished from the others. Men who had studied astronomy, philosophy, religion, and distant cultures knew the prophecy and recognized this as “his star.”

You cannot blame them for assuming that a child who was born king would be born in the palace - especially one who was declared to be a great deliverer. One so great would surely be introduced to the world with all the comforts and protections afforded to royalty, but no, not this child!

Here in Scripture, we find a miraculous event. The prophets foretold it, the angels announced it, and now the wise men were declaring that there was a baby Who was born King of the Jews.

Everything about this Child was unique and unusual.

It led them to Israel. They went to the king’s palace to find this special baby.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

A lot of people are doing those online ancestry searches, subscribing to services that are plugged in to the archives to help you learn who might be you your great-great aunt or your seventh cousin twice removed. You can discover that you came from a long line of heroes or villains!

Born King!

You would think that when God chose the family through whom He would send His Son that He would have chosen a devout family whose members all lived lives of holiness and righteousness. However, that is not what He chose. When God chose His family, He picked one that had quite a variety of colorful characters.

You cannot blame them for assuming that a child who was born king would be born in the palace - especially one who was declared to be a great deliverer. One so great would surely be introduced to the world with all the comforts and protections afforded to royalty, but no, not this child!

It was unusual for women to be found in genealogies in those days, but Jesus had four women specifically named in His.

… Where is he that is born King of the Jews?…

Everything about this Child was unique and unusual.

A lot of people are doing those online ancestry searches, subscribing to services that are plugged in to the archives to help you learn who might be you your great-great aunt or your seventh cousin twice removed. You can discover that you came from a long line of heroes or villains!

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Tamar (the widowed daughter-in-law of Judah (the son of Jacob) who had a son by him)

You would think that when God chose the family through whom He would send His Son that He would have chosen a devout family whose members all lived lives of holiness and righteousness. However, that is not what He chose. When God chose His family, He picked one that had quite a variety of colorful characters.

Rahab (the harlot of Jericho who helped the Israeli spies in the book of Joshua - great story!)

Why would Herod and all Jerusalem be troubled at the news of the newborn King?

It was unusual for women to be found in genealogies in those days, but Jesus had four women specifically named in His.

Ruth (the Moabitess damsel who moved to Bethlehem with her Hebrew mother-in-law after their husbands had died)

Herod was an Idumean - of the lineage of Esau. God had said that Jacob (Israel) would be blessed and that Esau would serve his brother. Herod recognized that his was an illegitimate reign.

He was given the position by the Roman emperor due to his connections to Marc Antony. Strings were pulled, favors were granted. Herod knew that he had gained this position by his schemes.

Tamar (the widowed daughter-in-law of Judah - the son of Jacob - who had a son by him) Rahab (the harlot of Jericho who helped the Israeli spies in the book of Joshua - great story!)Ruth (the Moabitess damsel who moved to Bethlehem with her Hebrew mother-in-law after their husbands had died)Bathsheba (the wife of Uriah who committed adultery with King David).

Bathsheba (the wife of Uriah who committed adultery with King David).

Naming these in His genealogy speaks of the grace of God. He shows that anyone can be a part of His family - not by good deeds but by grace! All because God came to us.

These reasons left him with a great sense of insecurity that so overwhelmed him that he even murdered his wife and two of his sons (one being his eldest son Antipater) because he thought they were going to attempt to usurp him and take his crown. He accused them of rebellion and treason and had them executed.

Naming these in His genealogy speaks of the grace of God. He shows that anyone can be a part of His family - not by good deeds but by grace! All because God came to us.

The wise men (also called magi) were possibly kings from the East who were well versed in various cultures and their teachings. Having studied the Jewish religion, they were aware of the prophecies of the coming King of the Jews.

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

They said,…

So this news of a baby who was born king struck a very uncomfortable nerve with King Herod.

They said,…

… for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Being born king says that he has this position by birthright

Did Jesus have a legitimate claim to the throne of David?

This baby, the King had come.

The prophet had spoken hundreds of years before and said:

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Human Heritage

Matthew quotes this prophecy and declares it fulfilled when he wrote,

Joseph’s lineage:

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Mary’s lineage: (note the wording of verse 23 - “as was supposed”)

Heavenly Heritage -

And now, He was here!

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

(Arrival)

(Arrival - Megan and Noah)

“God embraced our frame when He graced the world He made…”

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

“God embraced our frame when He graced the world He made…”

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

“The One Who holds the stars in the creases of His hands is the One Who holds my heart like a mother once held Him. The One Who knows what lies where space has run its course embraced a baby’s mind, and now I can know my God!”

WOW! What powerful words!

The wise men (also called magi) were possibly kings from the East who were well versed in various cultures and their teachings. Having studied the Jewish religion, they were aware of the prophecies of the coming King of the Jews.

God, Who is infinite in knowledge and power and in every wonderful way limited Himself to become a child who would learn. He limited Himself in order to experience life as a human being. He experienced this life so He could offer Himself as the sinless, spotless Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. There is one word that comes rushing to my mind that wonderfully describes this God. GRACE!

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Grace that would cause Him to come to earth as a man to pay the price for our sin. Grace that would move Him to be our Savior!

When King Herod heard the wise men’s question, he was troubled.

They said,…

… for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

II.Savior

Why would Herod and all Jerusalem be troubled at the news of the newborn King?

This baby, the King had come.

When King Herod heard the wise men’s question, he was troubled.

Herod was an Idumean - of the lineage of Esau. God had said that Jacob (Israel) would be blessed and that Esau would serve his brother. Herod recognized that his was an illegitimate reign.

II.Behold the King

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

He was given the position by the Roman emperor due to his connections to Marc Antony. Strings were pulled, favors were granted. Herod knew that he had gained this position by his schemes.

These reasons left him with a great sense of insecurity that so overwhelmed him that he even murdered his wife and two of his sons (one being his eldest son Antipater) because he thought they were going to attempt to usurp him and take his crown. He accused them of rebellion and treason and had them executed.

Why would Herod and all Jerusalem be troubled at the news of the newborn King?

Let’s take a moment to look with our mind’s eye back over 2,000 years ago to that little town called Bethlehem and behold the King.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Herod was an Idumean - of the lineage of Esau. God had said that Jacob (Israel) would be blessed and that Esau would serve his brother. Herod recognized that his was an illegitimate reign.

He was given the position by the Roman emperor due to his connections to Marc Antony. Strings were pulled, favors were granted. Herod knew that he had gained this position by his schemes.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

(Away in a Manger - Pastor Phillip)

So this news of a baby who was born king struck a very uncomfortable nerve with King Herod.

These reasons left him with a great sense of insecurity that so overwhelmed him that he even murdered his wife and two of his sons (one being his eldest son Antipater) because he thought they were going to attempt to usurp him and take his crown. He accused them of rebellion and treason and had them executed.

Diety wrapped in humanity!

Being born king says that he has this position by birthright

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

So this news of a baby who was born king struck a very uncomfortable nerve with King Herod. What he did not realize is that Jesus was not coming to take his crown. He wanted his heart.

Did Jesus have a legitimate claim to the throne of David?

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

(Arrival - Megan and Noah)

Because of his intense self focus, he would never open himself to hear the truth of Jesus Christ. Herod referred to Jesus as “Christ” when he demanded of the religious leaders where Christ would be born. However, he rejected Him and chose eternal damnation.

Being born king says that he has this position by birthright.

Human Heritage

“God embraced our frame when He graced the world He made…”

Joseph’s lineage:

“The One Who holds the stars in the creases of His hands is the One Who holds my heart like a mother once held Him. The One Who knows what lies where space has run its course embraced a baby’s mind, and now I can know my God!”

Mary’s lineage: (note the wording of verse 23 - “as was supposed”)

Did Jesus have a legitimate claim to the throne of David?

WOW! What powerful words!

God, Who is infinite in knowledge and power and in every wonderful way limited Himself to become a child who would learn. He limited Himself in order to experience life as a human being. He experienced this life so He could offer Himself as the sinless, spotless Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. There is one word that comes rushing to my mind that wonderfully describes this God.

Human Heritage

Heavenly Heritage -

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Gracious

Joseph’s lineage: see

It was quite unusual to find women mentioned in a genealogy since the birthrights and inheritance was from the fathers to the sons. However, Matthew names 4 women - Tamar (the daughter in law of Judah who had a child by him), Rahab (the harlot of Jericho who helped the Israeli spies in the book of Joshua), Ruth (the Moabitess damsel who came to Bethlehem with her mother in law, Naomi), and Bathsheba (the wife of Uriah who committed adultery with King David and bore his son). All of these women had reason to have suffered scorn, shame, and rejection by the people of Israel, yet God shows His grace in allowing them to be a part of the lineage that would bring Messiah into the world.

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Mary’s lineage: see (note the wording of verse 23 - “as was supposed”)

What is the importance of these women being mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ?

King Herod called for the religious leaders to find out about this “King of the Jews.”

Heavenly Heritage - see

God shows us that entrance into His family is by His grace and not by our deeds!

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

They were quoting . They knew where the King would be born. Yet they ignored and rejected Him. We never see the chief priests and scribes going to Bethlehem to find the newborn King.

Why would the chief priests and scribes ignore and reject this promised King?

How Gracious is our King! He was also

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Promised and expected - Many prophecies were given in the OT providing even the place of His birth.

They were more interested in their power and position as well, and they cowered to the desires and commands of King Herod. That is nothing more than the fear of man.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

King Herod called for the religious leaders to find out about this “King of the Jews.”

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

They were quoting . They knew where the King would be born.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

How do we often fall into the same trap?

They were quoting . They knew where the King would be born. Yet they ignored and rejected Him. We never see the chief priests and scribes going to Bethlehem to find the newborn King.

Yet ignored and rejected

We never see the chief priests and scribes going to Bethlehem to find the newborn King. They ignored His coming and rejected Him.

We find ourselves staying quiet about Jesus because society around us gets easily offended when they hear that precious Name used in any way other than cursing. We want to be saved and then blend in with our friends around us who are living to satisfy themselves. We profess on Sundays that we love God, but the rest of the week (and maybe even the rest of Sunday) we live as though He does not exist! Could we be called Christian Atheists?

Why would the chief priests and scribes ignore and reject this promised King?

They were more interested in their power and position as well, and they cowered to the desires and commands of King Herod. That is nothing more than the fear of man.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

It is easy to live for God and to “be right with God” when you are at church and around church family, but when we are away form those relationships, do we cave to the fear of man - doing what we think they want us to do out of fear that they will get mad at us?

Herod also rejected this infant King. We find later that King Herod had no intention of worshipping the new King. He had other plans. He learned from the wise men approximately when the new King was born. He used this information when he gave the order to his soldiers to go to Bethlehem and kill every baby boy 2 years old and under.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

You will either fear God or man. You cannot have it both ways. Come again in the new year to hear a message of the fear of God vs. the fear of man.

We can overcome this fear of man by falling in love with Jesus and drawing close to Him! Notice the wise men could not wait to get to Jesus. They did not let stodgy, stiff, and stagnant religious crowd or their attitudes dissuade them from finding the King.

How do we often fall into the same trap?

We can somewhat understand King Herod’s rejection due to his thirst for power and hypersensitivity to threats to his crown, but what about the chief priest and scribes?

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

We find ourselves staying quiet about Jesus because society around us gets easily offended when they hear that precious Name used in any way other than cursing. We want to be saved and then blend in with our friends around us who are living to satisfy themselves. We profess on Sundays that we love God, but the rest of the week (and maybe even the rest of Sunday) we live as though He does not exist! Could we be called Christian Atheists?

Why would the chief priests and scribes ignore and reject this promised King?

It is easy to live for God and to “be right with God” when you are at church and around church family, but when we are away from those relationships, do we cave to the fear of man - doing what we think they want us to do out of fear that they will get mad at us?

Herod also rejected this infant King. We find later that King Herod had no intention of worshipping the new King. He had other plans. He learned from the wise men approximately when the new King was born. He used this information when he gave the order to his soldiers to go to Bethlehem and kill every baby boy 2 years old and under.

They were more interested in their power and position as well, and they cowered to the desires and commands of King Herod. That is nothing more than the fear of man.

You will either fear God or man. You cannot have it both ways. Come again in the new year to hear a message of the fear of God vs. the fear of man.

Herod told them that the baby was born in Bethlehem.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

We can overcome this fear of man by falling in love with Jesus and drawing close to Him! Notice the wise men could not wait to get to Jesus. They did not let stodgy, stiff, and stagnant religious crowd or their attitudes dissuade them from finding the King.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

How do we often fall into the same trap?

Once the Scriptures had corrected their direction, these wisemen traveled to Bethlehem, and there they saw the star in the heavens above the house where they would find the baby King.

Herod also rejected this infant King. We find later that King Herod had no intention of worshipping the new King. He had other plans. He learned from the wise men approximately when the new King was born. He used this information when he gave the order to his soldiers to go to Bethlehem and kill every baby boy 2 years old and under.

We find ourselves staying quiet about Jesus because society around us gets easily offended when they hear that precious Name used in any way other than cursing. We want to be saved and then blend in with our friends around us who are living to satisfy themselves. We profess on Sundays that we love God, but the rest of the week (and maybe even the rest of Sunday) we live as though He does not exist! Could we be called Christian Atheists?

Scripture teach us that giving is always included in worship. Someone once said, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving!”

It is easy to live for God and to “be right with God” when you are at church and around church family, but when we are away form those relationships, do we cave to the fear of man - doing what we think they want us to do out of fear that they will get mad at us?

Herod told them that the baby was born in Bethlehem.

The wise men presented these gifts to him - gifts that spoke of His identity and mission.

You will either fear God or man. You cannot have it both ways. Come again in the new year to hear a message of the fear of God vs. the fear of man.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Once the Scriptures had corrected their direction, these wisemen traveled to Bethlehem, and there they saw the star in the heavens above the house where they would find the baby King.

Frankincense: speaks of the Priesthood of Christ. He is our great High Priest. As our High Priest, He offered the sacrifice to God that atones for the sin of the world.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Myrrh: speaks of His sacrificial death. He is the sinless, spotless Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world

We can overcome this fear of man by falling in love with Jesus and drawing close to Him! Notice the wise men could not wait to get to Jesus. They did not let stodgy, stiff, and stagnant religious crowd or their attitudes dissuade them from finding the King.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Gold: speaks of His kingship. He won the victory over death, Hell, and the grave when He rose triumphantly on the third day!

Scripture teaches us that giving is always included in worship. Someone once said,

While the Religious and the Ruler rejected Him, You and I can receive Him and experience the freedom He came to give.

“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving!”

The wise men presented these gifts to him - gifts that spoke of His identity and mission.

You see,

III.Worship the King of Kings

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: …

Frankincense

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Symbolizes His Deity and our spiritual relationship. He is our great High Priest. As our High Priest, He offered the sacrifice to God that atones for the sin of the world.

Myrrh

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

He is the sinless, spotless Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. He is our Savior!

(King of Kings - McKenzie)

Gold

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

(All Hail King Jesus! - Levi)

Speaks of His kingship. He won the victory over death, Hell, and the grave when He rose triumphantly on the third day!

(All Hail King Jesus! - Levi)

Conclusion

While the Religious and the Ruler rejected Him, You and I can receive Him and experience the freedom He came to give. We can follow the example of the wise men and bow before Him. We can worship Him as He deserves.

You see, when we trust Jesus as our Savior, He is not just a great High Priest, but He is our Great High Priest. He is not just a Savior, but He is our Savior. He is not just King, but He is our King!

III.King of Kings

We have seen that Jesus Christ is God with us, He is a Gracious Savior, and now we see that He is a powerful King. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ defeated Satan and all the forces of evil. Through his victory, Jesus established eternally that he is greater than all others.

He rules in a realm unseen by the human eye, although it is just as real. What we see is temporal; where he rules his eternal! He rules not just in the physical realm, but in the spiritual realm. This is why Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” ()

Throughout history, great kings and military leaders have fought and won numerous battles. When Alexander the Great had conquered the known world in his day, he sat down and cried because there were no more wars to win.

Jesus Christ won one victory that secured salvation and freedom for anyone who will come to Him in faith and repentance. What a great Savior! What a God! What a King!

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

& 16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

(King of Kings - McKenzie)

Conclusion

The magi recognized Jesus as the great King and showed Him the honor He deserves. They bowed before Him and worshipped Him.

How will you respond to Jesus the King of Kings?

Will you bow before Him and worship Him? Will you serve Him faithfully? Will you trust Him as your Lord and Savior? Will you surrender to Him so you too can live in victory?