Where Is the King?
Notes
Transcript
Where Is the King?
Where Is the King?
Introduction: Have you ever attended a party or event which purpose is to honor someone and you did not see the guest of honor at the party? You ask the question where is the guest of honor, because after all that is your purpose for attending the celebration, so that you can honor the guest of honor. Christmas has somehow become like that. Many people celebrate the holiday and have not recognized the true purpose of the celebration. We exchange gifts with each other but where is the King? We have Christmas dinners and parties, but where is the King? Where is the King in the Christmas celebration?
There are two attitudes displayed in this text. One of joy and excitement by the wise men and one of jealousy and envy by Herod the King.
The wise men were looking for the new born King and Herod wanted to remain king. That just about describes the attitudes of most today regarding Christmas.
There are some who celebrate Christmas with great joy and excitement reflecting on what Christmas really means. Yet there are others especially the worldly who wish to reserve all of the attention of Christmas for themselves.
Christmas has become more about what they receive then it is about what they have already received through the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Here is my question to each of you today, where does Jesus fit in your Christmas celebration? Is Christ the King in your celebration or is it about you. Where is the King?
Transition: This text today offers us each an opportunity to examine just where the King of Glory is in our lives as we celebrate Christmas. First the text teaches us . . .
Seek to Worship Christ as King (vv.1-2)
Seek to Worship Christ as King (vv.1-2)
Matthew 2:1–2 (ESV)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Theses wise men were compelled to seek Jesus. They approached Herod and asked where the king is.
Their goal was to worship Christ.
Application: What are you seeking this Christmas? Do you seek Christ? Do you seek to worship Christ? Here is what we each should do: Make Christ the center of this season and all your activities. As you open your gifts remind yourself of Christ's Gift to the world. His life. Romans 6:23 says, it this way . . .
Romans 6:23 (ESV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Transition: The text further teaches that as we reflect upon the gift of Christ towards us we must:
Overcome Distractions to Worshiping the King (vv.3-8)
Overcome Distractions to Worshiping the King (vv.3-8)
Matthew 2:3–8 (ESV)
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
Herod was not a nice guy. His reputation preceded him. The wise men must have known of him. He is described as being paranoid. He has had ten wives, executed two of them and executed three of his fifteen children all because he wanted to ensure that he would remain as King.
These men were not deterred by Herod
They were not distracted by his reputation
They were not distracted by his arrogance
Application: What is your distraction? Don't make Christmas about you. Don't get in the way of celebrating the King Jesus
Worship the King at All Cost (vv.9-12)
Worship the King at All Cost (vv.9-12)
Matthew 2:9–12 (ESV)
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 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. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
These men travelled to find the King. They were not hindered by the inconveniences of life. They sought Jesus until they found Him.
They rejoiced for they had seen His star
They fell down and worshipped Him
They offered Him gifts
Application: Are you determined to worship Christ, regardless? Have you made up your mind to make it His day? What does it cost you to worship the King? Whatever it is, it's worth it.