Have you ever wished to meet a king?
Matthew’s Gospel shows us how in its opening verses: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). Matthew reminds the Jewish people of God’s promise that Abraham would father kings and that a king would reign on David’s throne forever (see Genesis 17:4–8; 2 Sam 7). Isaiah also prophesied this king would be virgin-born and the Savior of his people (Matthew 1:21). They would call his name Immanuel, which means, “God with us” (v. 23; see Isaiah 7:14; 8:10; 9:6–7).
Then, just as foretold, this child-King was born in David’s city and sought by wise men who saw his star. They came to worship him and bring him gifts (Matthew 2:2, 11). And as the religious scribes studied Scripture, they found in Micah’s prophecy, “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” (v. 6).
This child grew in wisdom and in stature, until one day, his royal herald announced, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (3:2). Then, throughout his ministry, Jesus slowly unveils his kingship by preaching the good news, healing the sick, and casting out demons (4:23–25). He performs countless miracles as a preview of his coming reign (8:23–9:8). And in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays out the law of love by which his kingdom would be ruled (7:12).
Yet sadly, this King is rejected by his own, who attribute his works to Satan and believe his teaching is contrary to the Law (8:34; 23:1–39). Instead of returning to their God, they reject the Lord’s anointed and give him up to Rome (11:20–24). His enemies drape a royal robe across his shoulders, then mock him with a crown of thorns and a makeshift scepter (27:27–31). Finally, they crucify him on a cross with the charge above his head, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (27:37). Thus, God’s Son is buried in a borrowed grave (vv. 57–61), his heel crushed, his followers scattered (26:31).
This King, however, will not stay dead (v. 32). For three days later, he is raised to life and appears to his disciples (28:1–10). Then, while returning to his Father in heaven, he declares his Kingly Commission: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (vv. 18b–19a). By doing so, he confers his royal authority on all of us: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (v. 20b).
So, one day, just as he promised, he will come again to rule and reign upon this earth as King of kings and Lord of lords (16:27–28). How, then, must we worship Christ today?
Find Him
First, we must find him in the Scriptures because finding treasure begins by looking in the proper place. On Christmas day, for example, the presents won’t be on the front lawn or the roof of your house. They will likely be wrapped and ready beneath the Christmas tree. The wise will look in the proper place to find their presents.
So also, when you seek Jesus to be your friend, to know him as Savior, and to live with him eternally, you must find him in the Scriptures. Matthew’s Gospel is a good place to start. It focuses on the King and his kingdom as over 200 prophecies foretell his coming. Rejoice as you study and discuss the Scriptures, for in God’s Word you will find God’s Son.
- Many in this world still seek a “king” to rule them. For some, it’s a person: a child to please; a spouse to idolize; parents to satisfy.
- Others are ruled by achievement: a position at work, the college of choice, or a padded bank account.
- Still more are ruled by fear: of failure in the future or from haunting in the past.
- Perhaps some are ruled by sin: the slavery of addiction, the grip of online vices, or a lifetime’s pain of self-exaltation.
People look to all kinds of “kings” to rule their life. Yet Scripture claims that only One can truly save and satisfy: His name is Jesus and you will not find him anywhere but in the Scriptures. Let me encourage you to sit down this Christmastime and ponder the Good News according to Matthew. Jesus invites you to his kingdom and welcomes you as family.
Obey Him
As you discover Jesus in the Bible and declare him worthy of your worship, you will desire to obey him as your Lord. In C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew, Aslan, the king of Narnia, commissions young Digory to retrieve a silver apple from a sacred tree. He obeys Aslan, traveling all the way to the Garden of Youth on the other side of Narnia.
Yet when Digory arrives at the sacred tree, he is tempted to keep some of the fruit for himself. It seems so delicious and desirable, promising to give him whatever he wants. Yet Digory knows that he cannot disobey his King.
So also, even though Jesus is both gracious and gentle, Christ-followers cannot ignore his commands. He remains our King demanding full allegiance from his disciples (Matthew 4:17). He must be greater than anyone or anything else in life. There is no other way. His disciples gave up careers, their livelihood, and the promise of worldly esteem to follow Jesus when he called (vv. 18–22).
In like manner, the Master calls you to steward what he has given with an open hand: your possessions, your career, your children, your health, your relationships, your achievements, your finances, your very life. Trusting Jesus as your King means following him no matter what the cost (16:24–26).
Honor Him
To worship Jesus also means that you bring to him your best. As the wise men worshiped the Christ-child, they brought him gold, frankincense, and myrrh—costly treasures befitting a king (2:11).
At Christmastime, you would not shop at the bargain basement for old, broken toys or beat-up stuffed animals that your child will never play with. You would not wrap those up and give them out as gifts. So also, you must bring to Jesus your very best.
Don’t just worship him when there are no football games or work deadlines or when the weather’s nice. Don’t just leave him scraps of time at the end of each day when you’re feeling exhausted and out of sorts. Don’t just offer him the spare change and lint balls in your pocket. Instead, bring to your King the very best.
In Jesus’ parable of the talents, a master gives each servant a measure of wealth and expects a return on his investment. The first servant, who received five talents, doubles his master’s outlay. The second, who received two talents, also doubled what he was given. Yet the third servant, who was only handed one talent, buried that treasure in the ground and did not produce a profit.
Now when the master returned from his journey, he met with each of his servants to see how they had done. He rejoiced in the faithfulness of the first two, declaring to each, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (25:21, 23). Yet to the one who had squandered his opportunity, the master chastised, “‘You wicked and slothful servant!’ . . . And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (vv. 26a, 30).
Likewise, Jesus has entrusted you with certain gifts of time, money, and skill. He has provided you with the wealth of relationships, intelligence, and advantages in life. He has blessed you with his church, his written Word, and his Holy Spirit to lead you into godliness. He has given you many talents, so how will you return his investment with a profit? Wise servants honor Jesus with their best.
Proclaim Him
The final way you worship Christ is by proclaiming him to others. Picture the most incredible gift you receive this Christmas. Your friends might ask whether you enjoyed your Christmas and “What presents did you get?” If you’re excited about your gift, you’ll tell them all about it. If you delighted in your Christmas, you’ll include them in your joy.
So also, when Christ Jesus is your King, you tell everyone you know about him. When Jesus is your greatest gift, you burst to share that joy with others. It is the most natural response for Christians to proclaim their King.
What might this look like in your home? In your church? Do you worship Jesus by making disciples in your life and ministry? Does your heart long to share Good News with those you love? May proclamation be your precious gift to the King of kings this Christmas.