The Magi demonstrate a sort of observance and obedience that is shocking to most of us. Their worship of Jesus is founded upon who Jesus is, and their gifts to him produce a unique challenge for us as we too worship Jesus at Christmas.
Observations:
- Jesus is King from His birth
- Jesus is identified as King of the Jews
- Jesus’ kingship is Messianic
- Jesus’ Kingdom was revealed in the heavens
- Jesus’ Kingdom is for all nations
- Jesus’ Kingdom is announced by worship
Conclusions:
Only 2 responses to Jesus Kingship
- Threatened – plotted against
- Worshipped – presented gifts
Application:
– Why are you seeking Jesus?
– Are you watching for him to show up?
– What will you give Jesus this Christmas?
Matthew 2:2
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 27:11
“Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “It is as you have said,” Jesus replied.”
Matthew 27:28-29
“They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.”
Matthew 27:37
“Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the King of the Jews.”
Matthew 27:41-42
“In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Daniel 7:9-10; 13-14
“As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Numbers 24:17a
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel…”
Micah 5:4
“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.”