January 5: Accepting His Love.
HIS KINGSHIP.
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?"--Matthew 2:2
Whether in the tombs and treasures of Egypt or Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom; whether in ancient kingdoms or modern monarchies, one common thread runs throughout history: the splendor and grandeur that surrounds kings and queens. I have visited many such majestic buildings, and I have always marveled at the beauty and riches in honor of mortal men and women. And I wonder about the contrast between earthly royalties and Jesus, the King of kings, who walked on this earth two thousand years ago. Who would pay Him homage?
Matthew shocks his audience by narrating the visit of the Magi. The story starts by placing Jesus in the territory and tribe of the Davidic kings, hence the clarification that this is Bethlehem of Judea, where David was born: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea" (Matthew 2:1). At that time, Herod was the king (verses 1, 3), and these wise men went straight to the palace in Jerusalem, perhaps expecting the new King to be born in the royal family. But they were in for a surprise! They spoke to King Herod about another King of the Jews, thus introducing tension between the two kings from the very beginning of the story. Herod clearly understood that their inquiry was related to the Messiah (see verse 4). It is a notable fact that the Magi used the title "King of the Jews" instead of "our King," which indicates that they were Gentiles. Evidently, Matthew included this story to highlight the inclusivity of Jesus' mission (see Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations, Matthew 28:19). Yet what I find most fascinating about the title "King of the Jews" is that the only other use of it in Matthew is found in the story of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:11, 29, 37), and once again, it is spoken by Gentiles. It was the legal charge placed on the cross by Pilate: "This is Jesus the King of the Jews" (verse 37). The One who loved us to the point of death has revealed to us how the story ends: Jesus Wins! He will return, as the King of kings, to take us home. Until then, let's honor Him and invite Him to be the King of our lives, reigning in our hearts!
My Response:___________________________________________________
HIS KINGSHIP.
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?"--Matthew 2:2
Whether in the tombs and treasures of Egypt or Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom; whether in ancient kingdoms or modern monarchies, one common thread runs throughout history: the splendor and grandeur that surrounds kings and queens. I have visited many such majestic buildings, and I have always marveled at the beauty and riches in honor of mortal men and women. And I wonder about the contrast between earthly royalties and Jesus, the King of kings, who walked on this earth two thousand years ago. Who would pay Him homage?
Matthew shocks his audience by narrating the visit of the Magi. The story starts by placing Jesus in the territory and tribe of the Davidic kings, hence the clarification that this is Bethlehem of Judea, where David was born: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea" (Matthew 2:1). At that time, Herod was the king (verses 1, 3), and these wise men went straight to the palace in Jerusalem, perhaps expecting the new King to be born in the royal family. But they were in for a surprise! They spoke to King Herod about another King of the Jews, thus introducing tension between the two kings from the very beginning of the story. Herod clearly understood that their inquiry was related to the Messiah (see verse 4). It is a notable fact that the Magi used the title "King of the Jews" instead of "our King," which indicates that they were Gentiles. Evidently, Matthew included this story to highlight the inclusivity of Jesus' mission (see Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations, Matthew 28:19). Yet what I find most fascinating about the title "King of the Jews" is that the only other use of it in Matthew is found in the story of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:11, 29, 37), and once again, it is spoken by Gentiles. It was the legal charge placed on the cross by Pilate: "This is Jesus the King of the Jews" (verse 37). The One who loved us to the point of death has revealed to us how the story ends: Jesus Wins! He will return, as the King of kings, to take us home. Until then, let's honor Him and invite Him to be the King of our lives, reigning in our hearts!
My Response:___________________________________________________
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