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The Power of Christmas Truth - Matthew 1:21-2:4 (Part 3)

Third Name - King

"Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" - Matthew 2:1b-2a.  So far we have seen Jesus introduced as savior, Immanuel, and now as king, even called a ruler in verse 6. 

It is somewhat amusing that the wise men's question about a newborn king reaches the current king, Herod.  Herod is known for his paranoia as king.  His uncertainty is in his position is understandable since he is not truly a bloodline king, nor a Jew, and was merely placed in the position politically by the Romans.  Herod has a history of getting rid of people he perceives as a threat.  He drowned a high priest, and murdered his wife, mother-in-law, and three sons.  Then after hearing about the birth of this baby king, he plotted to murder all male children under two years old.  So here you have Herod, who's not a real king, not a of the royal bloodline, and not even a Jew, being asked, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?"

This is another great Christmas truth.  Jesus was not born a prince, but a king!  The wise men brought this child gifts fit for a king, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  The King of kings and Lord of lords entered the world through a very humble beginning.  He even lived much of his life in such a meek and humble way that the disciples even wondered at times when Jesus would take over his kingdom.  But we get a glimpse into the future in Revelation 11:15 where we see the angel blow the seventh trumpet and loud voices in heaven saying, "The kingdom of the world has become  the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." 

When Jesus returns, he will come back as king.  This baby in a manger during the Christmas season is all of these things, Jesus will save us from our sins, Immanuel - God with us, and a King who rules a spiritual kingdom and will some day rule the world.

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