Sermon
delivered on December 15th, 2019
Sunday Morning Service
By: Pastor Greg Hocson
Scripture Text: Matthew 2:1-12
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 morning.
What kind of king, King Jesus is? Does it 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.
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."
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 Thoughts
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.
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!