Matthew 2:1 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. 3: When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4: 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. 7: 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. 9: 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. 11: 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. 12: And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Introduction

Matthew 2:1 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.

In this Christmas story we are told that there arrived wise men from the east to Jerusalem. It is not known who these wise men were. What their names were and where they lived are not revealed to us. All we know is that they are non-Jewish from the east. Whether they are Arabians, Babylonians, or Persians, we simply do not know. It really doesn’t matter exactly who they were and where they are from. The important thing is the example these wise men teaches us. These wise men came to Jerusalem in search of the King of the Jews to worship. 

Matthew 2:2 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.

This morning I want to direct your attention to the King of the Jews that the wise men came searching for to worship. Jesus was born to reign as King. The great emphasis in the gospel according to Matthew is the kingship of Jesus Christ. The first two chapters of the gospel of Matthew introduce us to the birth of the King. All of these emphasize that Jesus Christ is born a king. But what kind of king is He? What is the nature of His kingdom? Our Lord Himself tells us in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world.” 

The origin and nature of kingdom of Christ is not from this world. It’s of God. It’s from God. It’s not a political kingdom but a spiritual kingdom. It is a spiritual kingdom where He rules the hearts of those who believe in Him.  He rules over those who trust Him and seek His gracious forgiveness for their sins. He reigns as King over those who love and obey Him. 

Jesus Christ is King and there is no other King but Jesus. The kingdom over which Christ rules is a monarchy. We Americans are not familiar with monarchy because our form of government is democracy which is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Whereas in a monarchy, the king is sovereign. In a monarchy the king is the single authority and power over a people. If you have a bad king that is bad news. But if you have a good king that is good news. To be a citizen of the kingdom where Jesus Christ alone reigns as king is good news. Why is this good news? That’s what I will attempt to do this afternoon. 

What kind of king, King Jesus is? Does it make a difference to you and me what kind of King He is? This is a very important question, because your view and understanding of His kingship will greatly determine how you will respond to Him and how you would live your life. 

I - He is a Righteous King

Jesus Christ is a righteous king. What does a righteous king look like? A righteous king exemplifies and executes faithful justice to the citizens of his kingdom. A righteous king helps his people to prosper and he protects them from oppression. When a king is righteous, then all in his kingdom is well. When a righteous king rules, righteousness will reign.  In Jesus Christ, we have a righteous King and a righteous kingdom! Jesus Christ is characterized by holiness and righteousness. 

Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9: Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Jesus Christ’s throne and scepter [rod] which are symbols of His power, authority and government are founded on righteousness. Jesus Christ rules over His subjects righteously. 

C. H. Spurgeon wrote, “He [Jesus Christ] is the lawful monarch of all things that be. His rule is founded in right, its law is right, its result is right. Our King is no usurper and no oppressor. Even when He shall break His enemies with a rod of iron, He will do no man wrong; His vengeance and His grace are both in conformity with justice. Hence, we trust Him without suspicion; He cannot err; no affliction is too severe, for He sends it; no judgment too harsh, for He ordains it. O blessed hands of Jesus! the reigning power is safe with you. All the just rejoice in the government of the King Who reigns in righteousness.”

Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the kingdom of God of which we are citizens of. This is reason I believe that to have Jesus as our King is good news! 

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders of His love.

-Isaac Watts

II - He is a Wise King

What kind of King is Christ? He is not only a righteous King, He is also a wise King.

1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Men may be wise in some things, and not in others; but Jesus Christ is wise in everything. He is wise in all things. Jesus had incredible wisdom and incredible discernment

Others spoke of God’s wisdom; Jesus is the wisdom of God!

1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24: But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Others spoke of truth; Jesus is the truth! 

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

It is no wonder Paul describes Jesus Christ in ...

Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid [hidden] all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Then we read in Isaiah 9:6 that Jesus Christ is the Wonderful Counselor. Jesus Christ is not just another counsellor, He is the Wonderful Counsellor! He is wonderfully qualified for this job. He had the age and experience. He has the knowledge. He is always available. He always gives perfect advice. His motives are always pure. He is truly the Wonderful Counsellor.

Psalm 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9: Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

You and I are always on solid ground when we listen to the wisdom and counsel of God. He is not a distant deity. We need His counsel, because we do not know it all. It is only by going to the Wonderful Counsellor Jesus that we have any hope at all. Yet how few will go to Him.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the kingdom of God of which we are citizens of. This is reason I believe that to have Jesus as our King is good news! 

III - He is a Gracious King

What kind of King is Christ? He is not only a righteous King and a wise King, He is also a gracious King.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Not only is Christ a King of righteousness, He is also a King of grace. Most kings rule with an iron fist.  Most kings rule by the law.  But Jesus Christ is not like any other king. Jesus Christ governs His kingdom not by law but by grace.

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the kind of king to whom sinners can go for pardon, forgiveness, and favor.  He is the kind of king to whom those who have violated His very law and despise His very name can go to seek forgiveness. 

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

We sing the familiar carol, “It came upon a Midnight Clear,” and one of the lines there says,

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, 

From heaven's all-gracious King." 

-Edmund H. Sears

Jesus Christ is the all-gracious King! Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the kingdom of God of which we are citizens of. This is reason I believe that to have Jesus as our King is good news! 

IV - He is an Eternal King

What kind of King is Christ? He is not only a righteous King, a wise King, and a gracious King, He is also an eternal and unchanging King. 

Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32: 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: 33: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 

Kings and rulers change, and they pass away but not so with Christ. The reign of King Jesus is eternal. Because His position is permanent, the citizens of His kingdom don’t have to worry about changes in policy or law. King Jesus lives forever, so there is no worry about Him growing old or dying. Under King Jesus, there will be glorious security and stability. Jesus is the only King who is worthy of worship forever. 

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7: Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

He shall reign and rule His kingdom righteously and with great wisdom and grace for eternity. His kingdom is forever. 

1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

He is an eternal King and His kingdom is forever. Therefore, salvation and His protection are forever. What a powerful word of hope for us during our own uncertain and challenging days. Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the kingdom of God of which we are citizens of. This is reason I believe that to have Jesus as our King is good news! 

Closing Exhortationss

The wise men who came seeking for the new born king, stopped in Jerusalem and asked, “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?” The wise men understood that Jesus is not just the King of the Jews, He is the king of the Gentiles as well. He is the King of the universe. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

There is coming a day when He will rule over this whole world, “when the kingdoms of this world” – says the Revelation – “become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever.” ( Revelation 11:15)

It brings about a question for us, “Are you a citizens of this kingdom already? Do you belong to his kingdom? Are you willingly under the rule of this King? Is our heart willingly given to Him? Is our life willingly given to Him?”

Is that where you are today? Is that where are at in your life? A citizen of this great kingdom. Make sure today that you are a citizen of this kingdom. Make sure you don’t think that it automatically comes to you. It is possible to belong to a church and to attend church regularly and still not a citizen of this kingdom. 

How does one enter into this kingdom? How does one become a citizen of this kingdom.

Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,   2: And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. 17: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

If I am going to have a hope at all for my future spiritually then I must have this citizenship. I must have this King as my King. I must know that He is my King. I must willingly bow before Him as my King. It starts by repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. You must receive Him and accept Him as your only Saviour and Lord.

King of my life I crown Thee now,

Thine shall the glory be.

-Jennie Evelyn Hussey 

One of the grandest preludes found in the scriptures regarding the Judgment Day reads as follows:

Matthew 5:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Praise God that He has promised us a new heaven and a new earth, when the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our God and of His Christ. Praise God that when he creates this new heavens and new earth, removing this world that can be shaken, then there will be no more crying or sorrow or pain. 

We shall see the King in His beauty

Isaiah 33:15 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

There is coming a day when we who put our faith in Christ will see King in His full blazing glory and beauty to worship and adore Him!

AMEN!