Behold, Your King

Welcome to Southwest!

• Message Series: “Behold Your King” (The Identity of Jesus)
• Last Week: Jesus is our Savior.

Today: Jesus is Our King.

The Sermon in One Sentence: There are many who claim to sit on the throne, but in the end, Jesus is the one true king.

Main Passages: Matthew 21:1-11, Revelation 19:11-16, Psalm 95:1-7

Jesus’ Arrival in Jerusalem 

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

What Do We Learn About Jesus’ Identity?

• Lord (Master)
• King (Ruler)
• Hosanna (Savior)
• Son of David (Messiah)
• Prophet (Messenger)

Even though Jesus is all these things, he didn’t act like the kings or military heroes of the day. 

• Instead, Jesus was a humble, servant-king. 

Another Depiction of Jesus

• Matthew 21 is a portrait of King Jesus in all his humility, but you can go to a different place in the Bible — Revelation 19:11-16 — and get a glimpse of what Jesus looks like in all his glory:
• White horse, mighty warrior, blazing fire, many crowns, sharp sword, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Rev 19:16).

Which one is the “Real” Jesus? Both depictions of Jesus are true!

• King Jesus is mighty in power (as we see in Revelation) and yet he chooses to lead with the humility of a servant (as we see throughout the Gospels).

C.S. Lewis’s description of Aslan (Chronicles of Narnia) is meant to remind us of King Jesus:

• “Safe?” said Mr Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Jesus Was Recognized by Many as the Rightful King:

• At his birth (wise men) — Matthew 2:1
• By his disciples — John 1:49
• Entering Jerusalem — Matthew 21:5
• During his trial (by the Roman Governor Pilate) — John 19:14

The Role of Kings in Israel:

• Promote law & order (but not the T.V. Show).
• Achieve peace & prosperity.
• Ensure divine favor by keeping the nation committed to God.

What God Said About the Characteristics of a Good King (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)

• They shouldn’t become dependent on physical, worldly power. 
• They shouldn’t chase after women.
• They shouldn’t chase after wealth.
• They should have the Word of God at the center of their lives.
• They should lead with humility rather than seeing themselves as superior.

Unfortunately, most kings ignored these commands and used their power for selfish goals, leading to disaster for Israel.

Jesus is the King We Need.

But He’s Not the Only One Vying for the Throne.

Counterfeit Kings (The Things We Place on the Thrones of Our Lives):

• Wealth
• World Leaders
• Comfort / Familiarity
• Relationships
• Ourselves

Key Principle: There’s only room for one king in our Lives. Who we choose to follow matters.

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5, 7 (Blessings, Curses)

Conclusion:

• Blessing — A King who leads us in truth and justice. 
• Responsibility — Honor Christ as King.
• Action — Bow down in worship to the one true King (Psalm 95:1-7).

Study & Reflection:

• Read John 19:1-16. This is one of the most interesting places in the Bible where people refer to Jesus as the King. What stands out to you about this passage?
• In verses 1-3, the Roman soldiers mockingly crown Jesus and worship him as king. What is so ironic about their actions here?
• When Pilate says “here is the man,” (v. 5) the Bible uses the exact phrase from the Greek version of 1 Samuel 9:17, when Samuel anoints Saul as the first King of Israel. What is the connection between King Jesus and the kings of Israel?
• This story seems a little backwards. The Roman Governor seems to be the staunchest supporter of King Jesus, and the religious leaders of Israel seem to be the biggest supporters of Caesar, going so far as to say “We have no king but Caesar.” What is motivating the Jewish leaders to sell out to Caesar like that?
• In Bryan’s sermon, he shared that not everyone in Israel was ready to honor Jesus as their King. What were some of the biggest counterfeit kings people followed in the 1st century? What are the biggest ones you see in our world today?
• In the NIV Application Commentary, Gary Burge says this about Jesus’ trial: “The Passion story of John is indeed a story of tragedy, but it is not Jesus’ tragedy; it is a human tragedy as we witness the futile and tragic efforts of people blinded by darkness, unable to see the true king in their midst.” Why do you think so many people remain blind to the truth that Jesus is the one true King?
• What are the main differences between submitting to Christ as our King versus having him as a coach, mentor, or advisor?
• Read Isaiah 9:6-7. How does Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfill the prophecy God gave us in this passage?
• Our of all there titles and roles Jesus is given in the Bible, which ones are the most impactful for you right now? Why?
• Application: What is one thing you feel God calling you to do differently as a result of these passages?