Recognizing Jesus: The King of Kings
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound significance of the gifts brought by the wise men to Jesus, focusing particularly on the gift of gold. Gold, a symbol of kingship, underscores the central theme of Jesus as the King of Kings. Throughout history, gold has been a gift fit for royalty, and its presentation to Jesus signifies His divine authority and kingship. The wise men, despite their own status and wealth, recognized Jesus' supreme authority and worshiped Him, setting an example for us today.
The narrative of Jesus' kingship is contrasted with the expectations of the Jewish people at the time. They anticipated a Messiah born in grandeur, yet Jesus was born in humble circumstances, defying all expectations. His life and ministry further challenged societal norms, as He associated with the marginalized and demonstrated a love and authority unlike any other king. Jesus' kingship is not about earthly power but about a kingdom characterized by love, grace, and redemption.
The message also delves into the varied responses people have towards Jesus' kingship. Some, like King Herod, are against Him, fearing the loss of their own power and control. Others dismiss Him, acknowledging His goodness but not recognizing His authority in their lives. The wise men, however, chose to worship Him, acknowledging His divine kingship and offering their lives in reverence.
Ultimately, the question posed is personal: How do we respond to Jesus as King? Are we against Him, dismissive of Him, or do we worship Him as the King of our hearts? The call is to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure or a good man, but as the King of Kings who offers us love, redemption, and a place in His eternal kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- The Symbolism of Gold: Gold, a gift fit for a king, symbolizes Jesus' divine authority and kingship. It reminds us that Jesus is not just a historical figure but the King of Kings, deserving of our worship and reverence. [40:35]
- Unexpected Kingship: Jesus' birth and life defied expectations. Born in humble circumstances, He associated with the marginalized and demonstrated a love and authority unlike any earthly king. His kingship challenges us to see beyond societal norms and embrace His kingdom of love and grace. [46:59]
- Responses to Jesus' Kingship: People respond to Jesus' kingship in different ways: some are against Him, others dismiss Him, and some worship Him. Our response reflects our recognition of His authority and our willingness to submit to His rule in our lives. [50:20]
- The Transformative Power of Jesus: Jesus' kingship is characterized by His power to heal, restore, and redeem. He offers shelter in times of trouble and peace in the midst of chaos. Recognizing His kingship invites us to experience His transformative power in our lives. [59:25]
- Personal Reflection on Jesus as King: The message challenges us to reflect on our personal response to Jesus. Are we against Him, dismissive of Him, or do we worship Him as the King of our hearts? This reflection calls us to a deeper relationship with Jesus, acknowledging His authority and love. [56:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [39:39] - The Gifts of the Wise Men
- [40:35] - The Significance of Gold
- [42:26] - Fun with Kings
- [44:55] - Jesus: A King Like No Other
- [46:59] - Unexpected Kingship
- [47:46] - Jesus' Unconventional Ministry
- [48:38] - The Crucifixion and Resurrection
- [49:34] - The Empty Tomb
- [50:20] - Responses to Jesus' Kingship
- [50:57] - Being Against Jesus
- [52:15] - Dismissing Jesus
- [52:59] - Worshiping Jesus
- [56:21] - Personal Reflection
- [58:05] - Who is Jesus?
- [59:25] - The Transformative Power of Jesus
- [01:04:05] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 2:10-11: "When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
- 1 Timothy 6:15: "which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."
#### Observation Questions
1. What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus, and what is the significance of each gift? [39:39]
2. How did the wise men respond when they saw Jesus, and what does this indicate about their recognition of His kingship? [40:35]
3. What were the expectations of the Jewish people regarding the Messiah, and how did Jesus' birth and life defy these expectations? [46:59]
4. What are the three responses to Jesus' kingship mentioned in the sermon, and how do they reflect people's attitudes towards Him? [50:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the gift of gold symbolize Jesus' divine authority and kingship, and why is this significant for believers today? [40:35]
2. In what ways did Jesus' life and ministry challenge societal norms, and what does this reveal about the nature of His kingdom? [46:59]
3. Why might some people be against Jesus or dismiss Him, and what does this reveal about their understanding of His authority? [50:57]
4. How does recognizing Jesus as the King of Kings invite believers to experience His transformative power in their lives? [59:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal response to Jesus' kingship. Are you against Him, dismissive of Him, or do you worship Him as the King of your heart? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him? [56:21]
2. How can you incorporate the symbolism of gold in your daily life to remind yourself of Jesus' authority and kingship?
3. Jesus' life defied societal expectations by associating with the marginalized. How can you follow His example in your community? [46:59]
4. Consider the ways you might be dismissing Jesus in your life. What changes can you make to acknowledge His authority more fully? [52:15]
5. How can you actively worship Jesus in your daily routine, acknowledging Him as the King of your heart? [52:59]
6. Think about a time when you experienced Jesus' transformative power. How can you share this experience with others to encourage them in their faith journey? [59:25]
7. Identify one area of your life where you struggle to submit to Jesus' authority. What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to Him?
Devotional
Day 1: The Royal Gift of Gold
The gift of gold presented by the wise men to Jesus symbolizes His divine authority and kingship. Gold, historically a gift for royalty, underscores the recognition of Jesus as the King of Kings. Despite their own status and wealth, the wise men acknowledged Jesus' supreme authority and worshiped Him. This act of reverence serves as a powerful reminder for us today to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the King deserving of our worship and reverence. The wise men's journey and their offering of gold invite us to reflect on how we honor Jesus in our own lives. [40:35]
"And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can honor Jesus as King in your daily life today, acknowledging His authority and offering Him your best?
Day 2: The Humble King
Jesus' birth and life defied societal expectations of grandeur and power. Born in humble circumstances, He associated with the marginalized and demonstrated a love and authority unlike any earthly king. His kingship challenges us to see beyond societal norms and embrace His kingdom of love and grace. Jesus' life invites us to reconsider our own expectations of leadership and authority, encouraging us to value humility and service over power and prestige. His unexpected kingship calls us to align our lives with His example of love and grace. [46:59]
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embody the humility and grace of Jesus in your interactions with others today, especially those who are marginalized or overlooked?
Day 3: Diverse Responses to Jesus' Kingship
People respond to Jesus' kingship in various ways: some, like King Herod, oppose Him, fearing the loss of their own power; others dismiss Him, acknowledging His goodness but not His authority. The wise men, however, chose to worship Him, recognizing His divine kingship. Our response to Jesus reflects our recognition of His authority and our willingness to submit to His rule in our lives. This calls us to examine our own hearts and consider how we respond to Jesus' kingship. Are we resistant, dismissive, or do we worship Him as the King of our hearts? [50:20]
"And he said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered him, 'You are the Christ.'" (Mark 8:29, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways might you be resisting or dismissing Jesus' authority in your life, and how can you begin to submit to His kingship today?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Jesus
Jesus' kingship is characterized by His power to heal, restore, and redeem. He offers shelter in times of trouble and peace amidst chaos. Recognizing His kingship invites us to experience His transformative power in our lives. Jesus' authority is not about earthly power but about a kingdom characterized by love, grace, and redemption. His transformative power is available to us, inviting us to experience healing and restoration in our own lives. This calls us to open our hearts to His work and allow His love to transform us. [59:25]
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your life needs Jesus' transformative power today, and how can you invite Him to bring healing and restoration to that area?
Day 5: Personal Reflection on Jesus as King
The message challenges us to reflect on our personal response to Jesus. Are we against Him, dismissive of Him, or do we worship Him as the King of our hearts? This reflection calls us to a deeper relationship with Jesus, acknowledging His authority and love. Recognizing Jesus as the King of Kings invites us to submit our lives to His rule and experience the fullness of His love and redemption. This personal reflection encourages us to examine our hearts and align our lives with His kingdom. [56:21]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today, acknowledging Him as the King of your heart and aligning your life with His kingdom?
Quotes
"The third gift the wise men brought to Jesus is the gift of gold. And all throughout history, because of the scarcity of gold, it's been known as a gift that's fit for a king. Anybody have any gold on their finger? Raise your hand. Come up here. No, I'm kidding. Give it to me." [00:41:36] (22 seconds)
"That's what I want to talk about today. The kingship of Jesus. He wasn't just born a person on earth. He wasn't just a good man, like a lot of folks call him. He wasn't a prophet. He was and is the king of all kings. So if you doubt that this morning, hopefully by the time you end today or by the time you leave today, you will have changed your mind. Turn to 1 Timothy. Chapter 6." [00:44:26] (28 seconds)
"He is the king of kings. He is the supreme authority over all the kingdoms in this world. If you could think about it, the entire universe. Now, I mean, my mind can't wrap wrap around how many universes there are galaxies there are. But if you can imagine. Imagine he is the king of every single one of those that we'll probably never, ever see unless we see it on the way to heaven. Who knows? But he's a king like no other." [00:45:35] (29 seconds)
"See, the people were expecting a Messiah. The Jews were expecting a savior. You know, they wanted a king to be born. The problem was that the Jews expected their king to be born in a palace. So they, you know, they missed it. Most of them missed him altogether." [00:46:08] (16 seconds)
"No one expected the king to be born in a poverty, in poverty. Never expected him to be born in a cave, you know, next to farm animals and whatnot. They didn't expect his father. They didn't expect him to be a carpenter. No one predicted that the king of glory would befriend prostitutes and tax collectors." [00:47:08] (20 seconds)
"No one would have ever imagined that the king would forgive a woman caught in adultery and that he would kneel down and draw in the sand, probably writing all the names of the people that were about ready to stone her." [00:47:46] (14 seconds)
"No one expected a king to stand trial for a crime he didn't commit. No one expected a king to be beaten, whipped, scourged, and stripped naked to hang on an instrument of torture that they call a cross. No one expected it. And he died a death that only a criminal would deserve." [00:48:43] (27 seconds)
"No one predicted that after he took his last breath that the sky would grow dark and that the earth would shake and his friends would lose hope as they carried the dead king, their dead Messiah, to the grave. They lost hope." [00:49:34] (17 seconds)
"I want to tell you about a king like no other. And I think it's interesting that when all of this happened, there were three responses to Jesus being king. Three responses that all these people had." [00:50:06] (14 seconds)
"Three responses. What's the first one? Am I against him? Second? Am I dismissing him? And third, is he the king of my heart or worship him?" [00:57:21] (15 seconds)
"He's the king of glory. Amen? He's the king of righteousness. He's the king of the ages. He's the king of kings, and he's the Lord of lords. And what does our king do?" [00:58:05] (14 seconds)
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