Contrasting Kings: Herod's Tyranny vs. Jesus' Love
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the contrasting stories of two kings: King Herod and King Jesus. Herod, known as the King of the Jews, gained his title through political maneuvering and conquest, not by birthright or divine appointment. His reign was marked by tyranny and fear, as he sought to maintain power through violence and oppression. Herod's response to the wise men's inquiry about the newborn King of the Jews was one of paranoia and brutality, leading to the tragic massacre of innocent children in Bethlehem. His legacy, despite the architectural marvels he left behind, was one of fear and oppression, with no one mourning his passing or longing for his rule to continue.
In stark contrast, Jesus' kingship was established not through force or political alliances but through divine right and humble service. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, took on human flesh and lived among us, embodying a kingdom characterized by love, sacrifice, and redemption. Unlike earthly kingdoms that protect their rulers at all costs, Jesus willingly laid down His life for His people, offering Himself as a ransom for our sins. His resurrection and ascension affirm His eternal reign, and as His followers, we are invited to participate in His kingdom, which is marked by peace, justice, and love.
As we navigate changes within our congregation, including the departure of our beloved associate pastor, we are reminded of Jesus' sovereign rule over all things. We are called to pray fervently for unity and guidance as we seek a new associate pastor and to actively participate in the life and mission of our church. Our confidence rests in the assurance that Jesus, our King, rules all things for our good and will continue to lead us in His righteous reign.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Nature of True Kingship: Unlike Herod, who ruled through fear and oppression, Jesus' kingship is characterized by humility and sacrificial love. His reign invites us to embrace a kingdom where power is expressed through service and self-giving. [35:03]
2. The Cost of Redemption: Jesus' journey to the cross exemplifies the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. His willingness to endure suffering for our sake challenges us to consider the depth of His love and the call to follow His example in our own lives. [37:37]
3. Participating in Christ's Kingdom: As members of Christ's body, we are called to actively engage in His mission, finding ways to serve and share His love with others. This participation is a response to His grace and an expression of our citizenship in His eternal kingdom. [43:50]
4. The Power of Prayer: In times of transition and uncertainty, prayer becomes a vital practice that unites us and aligns our hearts with God's will. We are encouraged to pray for guidance, unity, and the right leaders to shepherd our congregation. [42:26]
5. Hope in Christ's Reign: Despite the challenges we face, we find hope in the assurance that Jesus reigns over all things. His eternal kingship offers us peace and confidence, knowing that He works all things for the good of His people. [41:11]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[09:03] - Grace and Peace
[30:36] - The Backstory of Two Kings
[32:49] - Herod's Tyranny
[33:33] - Herod's Response to Jesus
[35:03] - Jesus' Divine Kingship
[36:17] - The Cross and Redemption
[37:37] - Jesus' Sacrificial Love
[38:38] - Resurrection and Ascension
[39:57] - Congregational Changes
[41:11] - Hope in Christ's Reign
[42:26] - Call to Prayer
[43:50] - Participating in the Kingdom
[46:37] - Confession of Faith
[50:51] - Farewell to Pastor Andy
[55:22] - Prayers for the Church and Nation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:1-18 - The story of the wise men and King Herod's response.
2. Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Psalm 72:1 - "Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness."
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Observation Questions:
1. How did King Herod come to be known as the King of the Jews, and what was his reaction to the wise men's inquiry about Jesus? [32:49]
2. What actions did Herod take to maintain his power, and how did these actions affect the people under his rule? [33:33]
3. How is Jesus' kingship described differently from Herod's in terms of its foundation and purpose? [35:03]
4. What significant event marked the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and how did it contrast with typical earthly kingdoms? [36:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the contrast between Herod's and Jesus' kingship reveal about the nature of true leadership and authority? [35:03]
2. How does Jesus' willingness to go to the cross challenge our understanding of power and sacrifice? [37:37]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' eternal reign offers hope and assurance to believers, especially during times of transition? [41:11]
4. How does the call to participate in Christ's kingdom reflect our role as members of His body, and what does this mean for our daily lives? [43:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the pressure to maintain control or power in a situation. How can Jesus' example of humility and service guide your response in similar situations? [35:03]
2. Consider the cost of redemption as demonstrated by Jesus' journey to the cross. How does this understanding of sacrificial love influence your relationships and actions? [37:37]
3. In what ways can you actively participate in the mission of your church, especially during times of change or uncertainty? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [43:50]
4. How can prayer become a more integral part of your life, especially when seeking guidance and unity within your community? What specific prayer practice can you commit to this week? [42:26]
5. Reflect on the hope and assurance found in Christ's eternal reign. How does this perspective help you navigate personal challenges or transitions? [41:11]
6. Identify a person or group in your life who might benefit from experiencing the love and peace of Christ's kingdom. What steps can you take to share this with them? [43:50]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset of service and self-giving in your daily interactions, following the example of Jesus' kingship? [35:03]
Devotional
Day 1: The Humble Power of True Kingship
In a world where power is often wielded through fear and domination, the kingship of Jesus stands in stark contrast. Unlike King Herod, who maintained his rule through tyranny and oppression, Jesus' reign is marked by humility and sacrificial love. His kingdom invites us to embrace a new understanding of power—one that is expressed through service and self-giving. Jesus' life and teachings challenge us to reconsider our own approaches to leadership and influence, encouraging us to lead with compassion and humility. As we reflect on His divine kingship, we are reminded that true authority is not about control but about serving others in love. [35:03]
Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV): "But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have influence or leadership. How can you practice humility and service in that context today?
Day 2: The Depth of Christ's Sacrificial Love
The journey of Jesus to the cross is the ultimate demonstration of love and sacrifice. Unlike earthly rulers who protect their own interests, Jesus willingly endured suffering and death for the sake of humanity. His sacrificial love challenges us to consider the depth of His commitment to us and invites us to follow His example in our own lives. As we reflect on the cost of redemption, we are called to examine the ways in which we can embody this selfless love in our relationships and communities. Jesus' sacrifice is not just a historical event but a living call to love others as He has loved us. [37:37]
1 John 3:16 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to experience Christ's love through you. What specific action can you take today to demonstrate sacrificial love to them?
Day 3: Engaging in Christ's Mission
As members of Christ's body, we are invited to actively participate in His kingdom, which is characterized by peace, justice, and love. This participation is not passive but requires intentional engagement in His mission. We are called to find ways to serve and share His love with others, responding to His grace and expressing our citizenship in His eternal kingdom. This call to action challenges us to look beyond ourselves and consider how we can contribute to the flourishing of our communities and the world. As we engage in Christ's mission, we become co-laborers in His work of redemption and transformation. [43:50]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve your community this week as an expression of your faith in Christ's kingdom?
Day 4: The Unifying Power of Prayer
In times of transition and uncertainty, prayer becomes a vital practice that unites us and aligns our hearts with God's will. As we face changes within our congregation, including the search for a new associate pastor, we are reminded of the importance of fervent prayer. Through prayer, we seek guidance, unity, and the right leaders to shepherd our community. This spiritual discipline not only connects us with God but also with one another, fostering a sense of shared purpose and direction. As we commit to prayer, we trust that God will lead us in His righteous reign and provide for our needs. [42:26]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Set aside a specific time today to pray for unity and guidance in your church community. What specific concerns or hopes will you bring before God in prayer?
Day 5: Hope in the Eternal Reign of Christ
Despite the challenges and uncertainties we face, we find hope in the assurance that Jesus reigns over all things. His eternal kingship offers us peace and confidence, knowing that He works all things for the good of His people. As we navigate life's difficulties, we are reminded that our ultimate hope is not in earthly circumstances but in the sovereign rule of Christ. This hope empowers us to live with courage and faith, trusting that He is in control and will lead us in His righteous reign. As we place our hope in Christ, we are invited to rest in His peace and embrace the future with confidence. [41:11]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in Christ's sovereign reign? How can you actively place your hope in Him today?
Quotes
Well, today we're talking about two kings, kings that are mentioned in the Bible, King Herod and King Jesus, both of them mentioned today. And both of these, by the way, they have a really great backstory, but their backstories couldn't be more different. Well, actually, they couldn't be any more different than the breadth of their kingdoms that they ruled over and the people under their reigns and how they lived. [00:31:43]
For example, when the wise men come to King Herod's court today and pose this question, where is he that has been born King of the Jews? I tell you, they could not have provided Herod with a more personal insult. You see, he was the King of the Jews. He was the King of the Jews. He was the King of the Jews. He was the King of the Jews. Well, even though he wasn't himself a Jew. [00:31:43]
Jesus was not granted his title of king by making friends with the enemy. No, Jesus was Lord of creation by rights. Jesus is of the same substance as the Father, the only uncreated one who, along with Father and Holy Spirit, rules over all things. [00:35:16]
And yet in time, he humbled himself and he took on our flesh. He was born. He was born in the ancestral town of King David. For 30 years, he grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. And at about 30 years old, he went out to the Jordan River where a man named John was baptizing people. And there, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and his ministry for the sake of the people that he governs was begun. [00:35:43]
But the exercise of this kingdom, this kingdom, this kingship, would be very, very different. For though Jesus would eventually take his rightful position at the right hand of heaven's throne, Jesus, we know, did something very, very strange. This king went to the cross in order to save his people. [00:36:17]
King Jesus didn't back down. With royal courage, he surrendered his body to be crucified. He went right into harm's way for us. On the cross, he offered a king's ransom, his life, for the lives of all the people, dying for all the wrongs we had ever done or will ever do, completely making atonement for our sins. [00:37:40]
You see, when Jesus, died upon that cross, Satan and all the enemies of God could rightly say, the king is dead. But on the third day, on the third day, God the Father declared, long live the king. Jesus came right up from the grave. [00:38:06]
Soon, Jesus would be royally enthroned as God fulfilled that ancient promise to the house of David. He exalted his son, giving him all authority and dominion and everything else that his name deserves. And when the son of God ascended to his throne, just imagine the shouts of triumph, the songs of joy. [00:38:13]
As his people now, we take up that refrain, long live the king. And we get to participate in this eternal reign, knowing that he rules all things for our good. And knowing that he rules all things for our good is a good thing, St. John's, especially right now. [00:38:58]
First, I want to call upon you all to pray. I want to ask you and invite you to pray like never before that God would unite our hearts and minds around him, seeking the things that are above, seeking to be fed by his word and sacrament, being strengthened by this means of grace, asking God to give us every good thing according to his good pleasure including the good thing of a brand new associate pastor. [00:41:24]
Christ Jesus and his reign continues to come among us, and it continues to come as more people are welcomed into that kingdom by faith. So let's find ways to participate. Because even though we are losing by the end of the month our associate pastor, the kingdom of Jesus marches on. [00:43:23]
His righteous reign through his word knows no end. It continues to come to us day in and day out. I'm calling on you people of God to pray to him that God would unite our hearts, our minds around the great tasks he's entrusted to us and specifically now gearing them towards the finding of a new associate pastor to serve us well. [00:44:58]
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