These Three Kings

Dec 11

We don’t want to overlook the story of what God has done and continues to do through Jesus. Ben Stuart looks at the account of Jesus’ birth in the book of Luke and shows us how the historical context of the King’s arrival reveals something miraculous and powerful in the midst of the mundane.

Key Takeaway

Don't build your own kingdom in this world and miss the Kingdom of all kingdoms.

God channels history where he wills to accomplish His purposes.
God is not just powerful, but He fulfills His promises. He really cares.
The Messiah is not just the son of David. He is the King of Kings. David bows at the feet of Jesus.
Luke emphasizes that Jesus is the firstborn—the one whom all things and people are appointed to in creation.
The Most High of kings comes to the lowest of them all. He was born in a manger to show that He came for the mightiest of people and the poorest of people.

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"All through history, all our kingdoms will fall except one will reign forever, and the King above all kings, the Most High, came in a manger. He came low for people like you and me."

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Ben Stuart

Discussion Questions

How does it make you feel knowing that Caesar Augustus, one of the greatest rulers of all time, was a tool in God's plan?
Do you truly believe that God will fulfill His promises?
Why does God care about us?
Can you imagine bowing at the feet of someone younger than you? Did this give you perspective as to why it was hard for a lot of people to accept that Jesus was their savior and to bow at His feet?
Did you ever doubt the legitimacy of Jesus because of His birthplace?
Think of a time when you got caught up in building your kingdom instead of focusing on the King of kings. What were your priorities? How do you feel about it now?

Scripture References

41.Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42.David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand43. until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ 20:43 Psalm 110:1 44. David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

31.You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32.He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33.and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

2.“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans5:2 Or rulers of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

1.In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2.(This was the first census that took place while2:2 Or This census took place before Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3.And everyone went to their own town to register.4.So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5.He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6.While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7.and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

About the Contributor

Ben Stuart is the pastor of Passion City Church D.C. Prior to joining Passion City Church, Ben served as the executive director of Breakaway Ministries on the campus of Texas A&M. He also earned a master’s degree in historical theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Donna, live to inspire and equip people to walk with God for a lifetime. View more from the Contributor.