Big Idea: Jesus is the true king who gives more than he takes.

If you were King or Queen for a day, what is the one new rule everyone would have to follow?

            Matthew 2:10-11

Messiah = Anointed One

• Anointed Prophet
• Anointed Priest
• Anointed King

Jesus is the true king.

What is a “king”?

            Psalm 78:70-72

Kings take

• people to expand their kingdom.
  1 Samuel 8:11, 13

• resources to expand their power.
  1 Samuel 8:14-17

“Kings” of 2025

• Politics
• Career
• Relationships
• Money

Jesus empowers people to expand his kingdom.

            Ephesians 4:11-13

Jesus gives himself

• to make us rich.
  2 Corinthians 8:9

• to make us family.
  Galatians 4:4-7

• to make us rulers.
  2 Timothy 2:12

Will you receive Jesus as the true king this Christmas?

            John 19:12, 14-15

A comfort: Jesus is king, regardless of how we think or feel.

A warning: Jesus is king, regardless of how we think or feel.

            Philippians 2:10-11

 A promise: Jesus is king, regardless of how we think or feel.

            Revelation 19:11-16

Message Questions

This Christmas season, our theme is Searching for the Light. In this 4-week series, we’ll grow in our understanding of Jesus’ identity as the true prophet, priest, and king – and ultimately the true savior who is the only one who can satisfy our searching souls. This week our main texts are Matthew 2:2-3 and 1 Samuel 8:11-17. The big idea is: Jesus is the true king who gives more than he takes.

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Have someone read 1 Samuel 8:11-17. What stands out to you about the list of things the human king would take from the people, and how does this ancient warning contrast with the generosity of the Magi in Matthew 2?
2. Have someone read Galatians 4:4-7. The human king takes people to make them servants; Jesus gives himself to make us family. What does the contrast between being a slave and being an heir/child mean for your daily anxieties?
3. Have someone read John 19:14-15. The chief priests chose Caesar over Jesus, shouting, "We have no king but Caesar!" What is one area of your life (politics, career, relationships, money) where you are most tempted to tell Jesus, "I have no king but [my own way]"?
4. What would it look like to grow this week in following King Jesus by trusting him with your burdens rather than trying to rule/control them yourself, especially in light of his promise of rest in Matthew 11:28?
5. How could you go this week and use the small bit of influence or power you have (in your home or workplace) to give to someone else, rather than letting your position tempt you to take for yourself?