The Worship of the King

Sermon Title: The Worship of the King
Scripture Text: Matthew 2:1-12

1. Key Scriptures

• Matthew 2:1-12

• Micah 5:2

• Psalm 95:6-7

• Revelation 21:24

• John 8:12

2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways

I. The Search for the King (vv. 1-2)
The Magi come from afar, guided by God’s providence, while Israel’s own leaders remain unmoved. Everyone follows a “star,” but not all lead to life.

• What is your guiding light, and where does it lead you?

• Proximity to truth without pursuit of Christ is deadly.

II. The Threat of the King (vv. 3-8)
Herod trembles at the thought of losing his throne, while the scribes know the Scriptures but refuse to move. Both hostility and apathy miss the King.

• To enthrone Christ is to dethrone self.

• Knowledge of Scripture must lead to worship, not complacency.

III. The Joy of Finding the King (vv. 9-10)
The Magi rejoice with overwhelming joy when the star reappears. True joy is not self-made but given by God’s faithfulness.

• Many joys collapse under pressure, but Christ gives a joy that endures.

• Ask yourself: what would it take for you to rejoice with great joy?

IV. The Worship of the King (vv. 11-12)
The Magi fall before the child, offering costly gifts. Worship redirects their lives as they return home another way.

• Everyone worships something, but false gods always take more than they give.

• True worship changes direction and reorients life under Christ’s reign.

Conclusion: The King Who Has Come
The responses to Christ still divide humanity: resistance, indifference, or worship. Only Christ offers joy, freedom, and union with God.

• Lay down your crown and trust the King who came to save.

• The King will come again in glory, and every knee will bow.

3. Primary Sources (cited)

• John Calvin, Commentary on the Gospels

• Matthew Henry, Commentary

• D.A. Carson, Matthew in Expositor’s Bible Commentary

• Charles Spurgeon, Sermons

• Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew

• Jim Carrey’s commencement address at Maharishi University of Management on May 21, 2014.  

4. Additional Resources

• Tim Keller, Hidden Christmas

• Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew

• R.T. France, The Gospel of Matthew

• Michael Reeves, Rejoicing in Christ