12/6/2014
Pastor Tim J Strickland
Friendly Center Baptist Church
Unto Us a King is Born
This sermon is part of a series of sermons written for Christmas this year titled “The only Gift that Matters”.
Last Sunday we learned from scripture, in Isaiah 9:6 “that unto us a child was born”
My hope from last week’s sermon was that your hearts were able to conclude that Christmas is in fact; only important if Christ is the focus of it.
This Sunday I want to look at the significance, that not only was a child born, the savior of the world, but a King given unto us.
Pray
Now in the time period of Jesus, as well as in these modern times, many people do not want to acknowledge the kingdom that God presented to the earth and the king that reins over it.
The question for us all, is why?
The Jews did not want to accept Jesus as their messiah, even though they were well aware of the writings of the Prophets and the foretelling of the signs of the coming of the messiah.
Today people are still rejecting Christ.
How is it possible that a King would be born to such humble beginnings?
He was not born in a Castle or a fine home, but instead the Bible tells us he was born where animals would have been kept and laid in a Manger, a feeding trough for animals.
Let us read of that account:
Luke 2:1-8
2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger ; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
KJV
So many people have a hard time understanding why God would allow his son to come into the world in such circumstances.
The earthly Mom and Dad Joseph and Mary have come to Bethlehem for a census so that they could be taxed.
In that respect not much has change in this world, the tax man still cometh and the government continues to conduct census to keep up with everyone.
God’s only son was born into a harsh world, one that makes judgments according to how we dress, how we look, what is our status in life, what race are we, are we poor, are we rich?
Jesus understands these things, he was born for us.
Jesus faced the world and its prince the Devil and all his ways.
He lived a life like none other has or could. He lived a life without sin, and he is there for us in Heaven as a Priest.
Heb 4:15 says
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin .
KJV
He understands us fully. Even when we believe that there is no one that can know us. Our deepest secretes, hurts, pains, he knows, he gets it.
But Jesus did not fit man’s criteria to be King. But he was and is the King.
He did not come to be served as the royalty of this world expects.
Instead he came washing the feet of his own disciples.
John 13:3-8
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
KJV
Friends, I ask you a question. Would you want Jesus to wash your feet?
He told the Apostle Peter that that he could not have any part with him if he prevented him.
So many people today are preventing Jesus from washing them of the filth and sins that stain their lives.
They live in it, are dragged down by it. They put on a false front, a false smile, as they say Merry Christmas.
Is it really a Merry Christmas for you?
Friends, Christmas is about what we have been given. His grace and his Mercy are extended as a free gift, if you will accept it.
It is not just our feet that Jesus wants to wash though, it is our souls.
Isa 1:18-19
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
KJV
But you say that you cannot accept a King, a savior that is willing to wash your feet?
OH, how much harder will you find it, that he was willing to die for the sins that you and I have committed?
Will you be as some who wanted a King that rides a noble stallion before a wonderful parade of knights in shining armor?
Perhaps a parade like a Macy’s thanksgiving parade, are more to your expectation.
All the wonderful floats and music and sights to see, it is all so wonderful.
If so, then you will be disappointed to know that the Bible tells us in
John 12:12-15
12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
KJV
Sitting on a donkey not a stallion and met by regular folks singing, not a procession of important people, is how the king was declared.
When Jesus was born the Blessed Mary his mother sang a song, one of beauty found in
Luke 1:46-53
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
KJV
Christmas is soon coming, but so is a King. The time grows short friends. The king that some of you may have always wanted will soon be on his way. But he will not be as a gentle lamb this time.
Rev 19:11-16
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
KJV
Listen to me friends Christmas season is here; do not let the world’s version blind you to the truth.
Jesus said in
Rev 3:20-4:1
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
KJV
The gift I pray for each one of you this season is the gift of eternal life through Jesus, the son of God.
If you have already received him then rejoice for your redemption is near. If you do not know him as your Lord, your King, the perfect gift is waiting for you.
Pray
