Light of the World Week 2

Devotional

Day 1: From Manger to Throne—Let Jesus Reign

Everyone loves the gentle scene of baby Jesus, but the gospel invites you beyond admiration to allegiance. Jesus didn’t grow into kingship; He was born King, with full authority to rearrange what needs rearranging. Like a toddler who upends a house, the true King lovingly disrupts old patterns, priorities, and plans. His arrival exposes every false ruler that claims your heart’s throne. Today is an invitation to move from appreciating Jesus to obeying Him, from seeing the manger to yielding to the throne. Open your hands and say, “Jesus, take Your rightful place in me.” [02:14]

Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11: Wise travelers from the east arrived in Jerusalem asking, “Where is the child born King of the Jews? We saw His star and came to honor Him.” Led again by the star, they found the house, saw the child with Mary, bowed low in worship, and opened their treasures—gold, incense, and myrrh.

Reflection: Where would Jesus’ kingship most noticeably rearrange your week—your schedule, your spending, or your tone with family—and what is one concrete change you will make today in response?

Day 2: Every Heart Has a Herod

Herod was “disturbed” by news of a rival king, and that same disturbance can rise in us when control is challenged. We prize independence and dislike being told what to do, yet the true King calls for our full loyalty. The arrival of Jesus exposes every counterfeit ruler—control, success, comfort, approval—that tries to sit on the throne. No one can serve two masters; a choice must be made in the heart before it’s lived out by the hands. Ask Jesus to reveal where a “Herod” is guarding power in you, and invite Him to rule there. Peace grows where surrender replaces self-rule. [03:02]

Matthew 6:24: No one can be devoted to two masters at once; divided loyalty will always drive out one or the other. You will either cling to one and despise the other, but you cannot serve both God and your other lord.

Reflection: Which “Herod” impulse shows up most in you right now—control, comfort, or approval—and what is one small act of surrender you can practice today to dethrone it?

Day 3: Walk the Six Miles to Bethlehem

The chief priests knew the prophecy and the address—Bethlehem—yet stayed home while the wise men walked the six miles. A miracle was close, but knowledge without pursuit kept them distant. It’s possible to pray, know verses, and still not move your feet toward Jesus. Faith walks; it leaves “Jerusalem” for “Bethlehem,” trading convenience for encounter. Your six miles might look like confession, reconciliation, silence and prayer, serving, or generous obedience. Choose one step and take it with your whole heart. [04:18]

Micah 5:2: Bethlehem, though small among the towns of Judah, from you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people—His origins reach back beyond the ages, and through you He will rise.

Reflection: What is your “six-mile” step toward Jesus this week—specifically when and how will you take it?

Day 4: The Light Outlasts Every Darkness

Darkness always tries to snuff out the light, yet it never wins; Herod raged, but Jesus lived. The same Jesus still stands unthreatened by the storms that shake us—fear, injustice, sin, or sorrow. The Light exposes lies, steadies our steps, and quiets the panic of our age. When you feel surrounded, remember: kingdoms fall, threats fade, but Christ’s kingdom keeps advancing. Choose to face today’s shadows with prayer, courage, and a steady gaze on the One who cannot be overcome. Let His light lead you one faithful step at a time. [05:27]

John 1:5: The light shines right into the darkness, and the darkness has no power to smother it or push it back.

Reflection: Name one dark headline or personal fear that weighs on you; how will you respond this week with a specific practice of hope and intercession?

Day 5: Not Just Hope—Holiness and Surrender

We often want just enough of Jesus to comfort us, but not enough to change us. Yet He didn’t come to be inspirational; He came to be King, to take over, not fit in. Real discipleship sounds like, “Not my will, but Yours,” and then shows up in habits and choices that reflect His rule. Holiness is hope made visible—God’s character shaping our words, our screens, our calendars, our generosity. Invite Him to rearrange what He wants, trusting that His reign brings life and freedom. Let today be a fresh yes to His authority and a new start in obedience. [06:11]

Luke 22:42: “Father, if there’s another way, let this cup pass—but more than what I want, I choose what You want.”

Reflection: What daily habit will you place under Jesus’ authority this week (media, money, meals, margin), and what simple boundary or rhythm will make that surrender real?

Sermon Summary

I asked our church family to open their hearts to a God who is not just inspiring but sovereign—who doesn’t merely bring light, but is the Light of the World. After sharing fresh reflections from Israel—standing in Gethsemane facing east, riding the Sea of Galilee, and weeping silently at the empty tomb—I turned to Matthew 2. The text insists that Jesus wasn’t becoming a king; he was born a King. That is why Herod was “disturbed,” and why every heart, including ours, feels threatened when Jesus moves from the manger to the throne of our lives.

We noticed three responses to Jesus’ kingship. The chief priests could quote Micah 5:2 and were only six miles from Bethlehem, yet they never moved. It’s a sober warning: we can be close to holy things, say the right verses, even pray for promises—and still not go meet the King. Herod chose self-preservation over surrender, trying to eliminate what he couldn’t control. And the Magi, learned men with real status, traveled, bowed low, and gave costly gifts—gold for royalty, frankincense for divinity, myrrh for sacrifice—confessing with their posture what their theology already knew: this Child is King, God, and Lamb.

I urged us to make the “six-mile” move from admiration to allegiance, from proximity to pursuit. The arrival of the true King exposes the small thrones we protect—personal control, national independence, habits and preferences. We often want just enough of Jesus to have hope, not enough to become holy. But the text will not let us keep him as an accessory to our plans. The Light that Herod tried to snuff out survived, spread, and still reigns. Herod dies. Jesus lives. And when Jesus reigns in us, he rearranges us—our calendar, our wallet, our loves, our will—until it can honestly be prayed: not my will, but yours.

Key Takeaways

1. Let Jesus dethrone your inner Herod Surrender begins where self-rule ends. The true King’s arrival exposes every rival claim to the throne of your heart—control, image, comfort, even “religious” performances. Naming that resistance is the first grace; yielding to Jesus is the transforming one. [43:54]
2. Walk the six miles to Bethlehem Spiritual proximity isn’t the same as obedience. You can quote promises, attend services, and still refuse to move toward Jesus when he calls. Faith takes literal and costly steps—out of Jerusalem’s comfort and into Bethlehem’s humility—to meet the King. [47:41]
3. Want more than hope—want holiness We often seek inspiration without interruption, comfort without rearrangement. But Jesus doesn’t ask to fit into our priorities; he takes rightful rule over them. Holiness is hope’s fruit—our loves, habits, and choices reshaped by a present King. [52:19]
4. The Light outlasts every darkness Herod’s rage, Rome’s might, and even death could not extinguish the Light. This isn’t sentiment; it’s the pattern of the Kingdom: crucified, risen, reigning. Take courage—every darkness has an expiration date; Jesus does not. [59:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:46] - Opening Prayer and Offering
[25:57] - Fun Announcements and Invites
[27:14] - Israel Trip Introduction
[34:45] - Gethsemane and Scripture Coming Alive
[35:34] - Sea of Galilee and Jordan River
[37:53] - Garden Tomb and Via Dolorosa
[39:11] - Light of the World Series
[40:54] - Matthew 2: A Toddler King
[43:54] - True King Exposes False Kings
[47:41] - Six Miles: Religion vs Pursuit
[52:19] - Hope without Holiness Tension
[56:33] - Meaning of the Magi’s Gifts
[59:35] - Herod Dies, Jesus Lives
[64:09] - Prayer, Response, Next Steps

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading
- Matthew 2

Observation questions

Read Matthew 2:1–3. Who are the three groups introduced (the Magi, King Herod, the chief priests/teachers), and what immediate response does each group show when told a “king” has been born? (See: "When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed." [41:26])
Matthew 2 records the religious leaders quoting Micah 5:2 yet remaining in Jerusalem. What details in the passage highlight their proximity to the promise, and what does the story say they did (or did not do)? (See: "They know the prophecy...and yet the religious leaders don't go." [48:53])
In Matthew 2:9–11 the Magi follow the star, find the child, bow, and bring gifts. What concrete actions and recognitions are recorded about the Magi when they arrive, and what were the three gifts mentioned? (See: "On coming to the house...they bowed down and worshipped him." [55:13])
Read Matthew 2:16–18. What action did Herod take after the Magi avoided returning to him, and how did God protect the child in response? (See: "Herod goes ... murders every male child two years old and younger." [58:25])

Interpretation questions

The chief priests and teachers knew the prophecy and its location but did not go. What does this contrast suggest about the difference between knowing Scripture and responding in faith? (See: "They know the prophecy...and yet the religious leaders don't go." [48:53])
The text insists Jesus was "born a King." What does being "born king" imply about Jesus’ authority over daily life and decisions, rather than a title applied later? (See: "Jesus didn't come to be admired. He came to be obeyed." [01:00:29])
The arrival of the true King is said to expose "small thrones" people protect (control, comfort, image, religious performance). How does the presence of a reigning King reveal these rival claims, and through what means does transformation typically occur? (See: "The arrival of the true king exposes every false king." [43:54])
Herod’s violent attempt to stop the King failed; ultimately "Herod dies and Jesus lives." How should the pattern of earthly power failing and Christ’s reign succeeding shape the church’s understanding of present suffering or persecution? (See: "Herod dies and Jesus lives." [59:35])

Application questions

Everyone has a “throne” in their heart. Name one rival claim (control, image, comfort, a habit, a relationship, or a program) you are protecting right now. What would surrender look like in that area this week? (See: "Are you going to be the king of your own throne?" [01:03:09])
The story asks people to make a literal, costly move—“walk the six miles” from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. What is one specific, tangible step you will take in the next seven days to move from admiration of Jesus to allegiance to Jesus? (Examples: a difficult conversation, change a recurring habit, begin a spiritual discipline, seek counsel.) (See: "Are we willing to walk the six miles to meet with him?" [50:31])
The text warns against wanting “just enough of Jesus to have hope, not enough to become holy.” Identify one habit or comfort you are unwilling to give up that may be blocking holiness. What small, measurable change will you try for the next month to test readiness for holiness? (See: "We want just enough of Jesus to give us hope, but not enough to make us holy." [52:19])
Herod chose self-preservation over surrender. When faced with fear or loss, which posture do you default to—protecting your kingdom or yielding to Christ? Describe a recent situation where you chose control; what would yielding to Christ have looked like instead? Commit to one different response if that situation repeats. (See: "He wants to eliminate him..." [51:42])
The Magi gave costly, symbolic gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh). What would a costly gift of worship look like from you right now—time, money, presence, or service—and what practical step will you take to give that gift in the next month? (See: "The gold represented royalty...frankincense...myrrh..." [56:33])
The narrative ends in a promise: earthly powers fade but the Light remains. Name one present difficulty or darkness you’re facing. Which practices (Scripture, prayer, community, service) will you use this week to anchor hope in the truth that "Herod dies and Jesus lives"? (See: "Herod dies and Jesus lives." [59:35])

Sermon Clips

There's a difference between what we would say is Christmas Jesus in a manger and Jesus being the king of your life.Because when you say that someone is king, you're giving them all authority and all power and all sovereignty to reign and to rule over your life.And for so many people, that's a hard transition to go from baby Jesus to going to Jesus, the savior of the world, to Jesus, the king of the world.And to make it more personal, the king of your life. [00:40:10] (42 seconds) #FromMangerToKing

And Jesus steps into the world as the king.And I believe every heart has a Herod.It's within our fleshly nature.Because we're born sinful.We have this tension and we have this tug.Between who gets to reign and rule in my heart and my life.Who gets to reign and rule in your heart and in your life.Is it going to be you?Or is it going to be Jesus?Because as the scripture says, no one can serve two masters.You can't be the king of your own life and also let Jesus be king.You cannot serve two masters.You will love the one and hate the other. [00:44:59] (57 seconds) #NoTwoMasters

And here's what's so fascinating.These religious people, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, they've been praying for the promised Messiah to come since they were little ones.They've been holding on to this promise that the Messiah is coming.They know the Bible verse.They quoted Micah 5.They know where the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem.And the Magi show up, and they say, We've seen this star.And the teachers of the law say, we know where it's supposed to be fulfilled.All this is supposed to be fulfilled in Bethlehem.And yet the teachers of the law never go to visit Jesus.Think about that for a moment. [00:48:02] (49 seconds) #KnowledgeWithoutWorship

They know the prophecy.They know the promise.They've been praying for this promise.And Jesus comes to fulfill the prophecy and the promise of the Messiah being born.And the religious people don't go.A miracle is just six miles away.And the religious leaders stay in Jerusalem.You know what that tells us?Man, you can know about Jesus and still refuse to follow him.You can know the prophecy.You can know the promise.You can be praying for the promise to be fulfilled and still not go and worship Jesus.Wow. [00:48:52] (49 seconds) #KnowButRefuse

So even King Herod, he heard Micah 5.2 quoted to him from the teachers of the law that this promised Messiah is in Bethlehem.And because he's so threatened by that, even King Herod doesn't go and worship him.He wants to go and eliminate him.The darkness will always try to eliminate the light.Why?Because we're even threatened.See, we just want just enough of Jesus to give us hope, but not enough to make us holy.Let me say that again.Again, we want just enough of Jesus to give us hope, but not enough to make us holy.Not enough to rearrange our lives. [00:51:55] (62 seconds) #HalfheartedFaith

And every heart has a Herod.Every heart has to make this decision.What are you going to do with King Jesus?Are you just going to read about him?Are you just going to know about him?Are you just going to go into a building to worship him?Or are you going to surrender your whole life to him?That's what we're faced with today. [00:53:40] (27 seconds) #SurrenderDontJustRead

The gold represented royalty, that this child is king.The frankincense represented his divinity, that this child is God.And the myrrh represented sacrifice, that this child will give his life to his people.What a foreshadow of the gifts on the life of Jesus, that Jesus is king, that Jesus is God, and that Jesus will sacrifice his life for the many. [00:56:38] (42 seconds) #GiftsPointToJesus

And what Christmas reminds us is this.That Jesus didn't come to be admired.He came to be obeyed.That Jesus didn't come to be inspirational.He came to be king.That Jesus didn't come to fit into our life.He came to take it over.Because when someone's king, they have all authority.When someone's king, they have all power.When someone's king, they have all sovereignty to reign and to rule over the people.And as people of God, this is what we are submitting to. [01:00:25] (47 seconds) #JesusIsKing

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