12/12/2021 - Jesus Is King - Hebrews 1:1-3, Philippians 2:8-11 - Pastor Hudson Garcia

Last night I went over to my in-law’s house to watch the Christmas movie, Elf. This is a tradition in our family that signals the Christmas season is officially upon us! One of the things I love most about this time of year is holiday traditions. One of the longest-running traditions in my home growing up was reading the story of Jesus’ birth in the Bible before opening gifts. When reading from the account in Matthew, we would often start at Matthew 1:18. Now, if you have younger kids I would recommend starting there as well, but starting at Matthew 1:18, is actually missing one of the most important aspects of Jesus’ birth. Part of the significance of Jesus’ birth is rooted in a promise that came hundreds of years prior to King David. 

2 Samuel 7:16, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” 

Israel suffered as a nation under the evil and wicked leadership of one king after another. Their only hope was the promised Messianic King who would come from the line of David. The genealogy in Matthew 1:1-17 makes it clear that Jesus comes from David’s kingly line. 

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, people realized that Jesus was the long-awaited king of Israel and on a few occasions tried to forcibly make him king. The problem was that the Jews were not ready for how Jesus would earn his title as King. They expected him to earn it by overthrowing the oppressive Roman government that ruled in Israel. Hebrews 1:3 and Philippians 2:8-11 paint a different picture. We find out in these passages that Jesus earned the title King not by taking a crown of jewels, but by taking a crown of thorns. Though Jesus subjected himself to death for the sins of the world, He was exalted by the Father, earning the title King of Kings. Jesus is not only the King above every other King, but He is a King worth following. 

The reason that Advent season is so sweet, is because we do not just look back at Jesus’ first coming, but we wait in anticipation for His return. Jesus may have come the first time on a donkey, but when He returns He will be on a white horse with a sword in His hand. When He returns, He will defeat death and evil once and for all. This is why we celebrate Advent, to pause and remember our King is returning.