1. All about Kings and Men

2. 3 Men from the East
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. ” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

3. 3 Old Testament Kings Saul
Physically superior, outwardly powerful, authoritative, determined, yet inwardly tormented by fear and insecurity
Modeled after the world’s idea of strong leadership, chosen to please the people – but what happens when they are no longer pleased?
Threatened by God’s chosen man; he forgot it was God who set him

4. David
Physically below average, outwardly weak, begins career as shepherd and servant to his brothers
Inwardly strong of character: patience (10 yrs), faith, courage, self-control, compassion, loyalty, repentance, and a desire to please God above all else
Dependent on God, rather than feeling threatened by Him, he “modeled” the image and character of God to the people; even when his authority was challenged by his own son.

5. Absalom Oldest son, physically good looking, charismatic, and smart
“Street wise”, “politician”, manipulative, prideful, vengeful.
Humanistic, self-determined, self-promoting, what about ME?

6. New Testament Kings
A short lesson on the Herods: 1. Herod the Great – Story of the wise men and the slaughter of the innocents. 2. Herod Antipas (the Tetrarch, meaning 1/4th) – Killed John Baptist and tried Jesus prior to crucifixion 3. Herod Agrippa (grandson of the Great)– Persecuted the early church, executed James, His 2 daughters each married Roman governors – Felix and Festus 4. Agrippa II – son of Agrippa, brother-in-law to 2 successive governors, helped save Paul from Jews and sent to Rome

7. Appointed by the Romans (no right to rule), not even Hebrew
Like Saul, plagued by spirits of fear & insecurity, mental illness
While not the choice of the Jewish people, they were charged by the Romans with keeping the people “pacified” or peaceful ; “Paid people pleasers”

8. Jesus House and lineage of David, Lion of the Tribe of Judah
INCARNATION – THE WORD became FLESH - Emmanuel God With Us, thought it not robbery to be equal with God yet became a servant.
And the government shall be upon HIS shoulders
King of Kings, Lord of Lords

9. Some Scriptures about Jesus as King
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6
In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it-- one from the house of David-- one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness. Isaiah 16:5
"In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. Daniel 2:44
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Matthew 28:18
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
1 Cor 15:25

10. KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:11-16

11. WHAT ABOUT ME ?
Pride, self-preservation, selfish ambition, rebellion, and human wisdom is in all of our hearts and minds.
Faith in Christ is a choice : of DAILY submission, OR rebellion.
Who are we Modeling to those we lead?
Saul & Herod, Absalom, or David & Jesus?
Who will be King of your Life?