Jesus was referred to as the King of the Jews at His birth and at His crucifixion. It is interesting to note the reactions of people when He was called the King of the Jews.
When the wise men followed the star to Jerusalem, they asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” They sought earnestly for the One that had been prophesied to come. They came reverently, desiring to worship Him.
King Herod reacted quite differently. He sought to kill the baby Jesus. He must have been quite a paranoid character; among others, he killed his wife, his three sons, his mother-in-law, his uncle, and all the male babies under two years of age.
Pilate wanted to wash his hands of any responsibility to the King of the Jews, but, contrary to his desire, there was no neutral ground. Christ was crucified. And, to the Jews He became a stumbling block.
The good news is that Jesus Christ rose again. Death could not hold Him. And He is coming again—this time as King of Kings to establish His eternal Kingdom. For believers, we realize that He had to die to atone for our sins, revealing the majesty of the King who sacrificially died for us that we might enter His eternal Kingdom.
We live in a world where we see these same three responses to Christ’s Kingship. There are those who eagerly anticipate His coming. Others completely reject Christ. And still others would like to find neutral ground but cannot.
So what about you? Are you eagerly anticipating His return? Are you ready for His coming? I trust that during this Christmas season we will take time to consider the sacrificial love of our Almighty, Eternal King.
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