Matthew 2:1, 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.
*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 935
King: ruler, emperor
King: ruler, emperor
From the Greek word 'basileus' (pronounced bas-il-yooce').
CHRIST'S KINGSHIP FORETOLD
Numbers 24:17
I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A Star will come forth from Jacob, and a Scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.
Isaiah 9:6, 7
6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
BORN KING OF THE JEWS
Born of humble birth He will be acknowledged as King by those who seek Him. First, the shepherds, of humble means themselves, will come and worship him in the stable. Then the wise men who have been watching for His appearance will see the unusual star in the night skies and go looking for this foretold King of Israel.
When we read a little bit further in Matthew 2:16, we see that it took them two years to travel from their hometown(s) to Bethlehem, where Joseph, Mary and Jesus were currently living (v 9) until they were ready to move back home. They traveled a great distance, for immediately east of Jerusalem was the kingdom of Arabia, so we know that while they traveled through it, the wise men weren't from there.
Having arrived at Jesus' home, the wise men brought out gifts fit for a King. To Herod they paid no such honor, not recognizing his authority. But to Jesus, quite a different story. First they were filled to overflowing with joy (v 10) and then they worshiped Him and paid Him tribute (v 11).
Matthew 2:10, 11
10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight.
11. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Of their best they gave. Of their worship they gave. Of their hearts they gave. They sacrificed their time, their energy and their earthly treasures to honor the newborn King of the Jews.
CONDEMNED TO DIE AS KING OF THE JEWS
But this is not the only time Christ is spoken of as such. At such times as these He is both physically and verbally attacked, then killed.
First He is questioned to be the King of the Jews: Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:2; John 18:33.
And then He is given the title King of the Jews by Pilate on a nameplate on the cross:
Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:25; Luke 23:38; John 19:19.
RETURN OF THE KING IMMINENT
Having been recognized as King, denied as King, He will soon and very soon be a returning King. And while we know it is still a few years in the distance when Jesus will set up His earthly millennial reign, the time is still very short for His return. Perhaps some of us will see it, perhaps some of us will die before His return as King. But either way, ready we must be. Are you ready to meet King Jesus? Wise men still seek Him. Be wise.
KINGSIZE MANGER by Josh Turner
MAKE ROOM by Casting Crowns
WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM by Paul Overstreet
OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART by Paul Baloche
