PART I – THE ARRIVAL OF THE KING

Introduction

For nearly four thousand years, humanity waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise. Since the fall of Adam, God had been revealing His redemptive plan through prophets, sacrifices, covenants, and promises. Every altar pointed forward. Every sacrifice pointed forward. Every prophecy pointed forward.

The Old Testament is one long anticipation of a coming King.

When Jesus appeared and sent His disciples saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” He was announcing that God’s King had arrived.

The greatest event in human history was not the rise of an empire, the invention of technology, or the discovery of a new world.

The greatest event in human history was the arrival of Jesus Christ.

I. Humanity Needed a King

Since Adam’s rebellion, mankind has lived under the curse of sin.

• Sin brought death.
• Sin brought separation.
• Sin brought corruption.
• Sin brought spiritual blindness.

Every human government has failed because every ruler is a sinner.

Throughout history people have searched for solutions:

• Politics
• Philosophy
• Education
• Religion

Yet none could solve mankind’s greatest problem: sin.

Humanity did not merely need improvement.

Humanity needed a Savior King.

Isaiah foretold His coming:

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given…” (Isaiah 9:6)

II. The Old Testament Anticipated the King

Abraham looked for Him.

Moses wrote about Him.

David sang about Him.

Isaiah prophesied Him.

Daniel saw His Kingdom.

Micah predicted His birthplace.

The prophets repeatedly announced a coming ruler.

The Jewish people expected a king who would establish God’s Kingdom.

What many failed to understand was that before the King would wear a crown of glory, He would first wear a crown of thorns.

III. Jesus Is the King

The Kingdom cannot exist without a King.

The central message of Christianity is not merely salvation.

The central message is Christ Himself.

Jesus is:

• King of Kings
• Lord of Lords
• Son of God
• Messiah
• Savior

Every miracle demonstrated His authority.

When He calmed the sea, creation obeyed.

When He cast out demons, hell obeyed.

When He raised the dead, death obeyed.

The King had arrived.

IV. The Kingdom Appeared Wherever Jesus Went

Everywhere Jesus traveled:

• The blind saw.
• The lame walked.
• The deaf heard.
• Sinners were forgiven.

The Kingdom became visible through the presence of Christ.

The Kingdom was not primarily political.

It was spiritual.

Jesus came to conquer hearts before conquering nations.

V. Receiving the King Today

Many people admire Jesus.

Many respect Jesus.

Many know about Jesus.

But fewer submit to Jesus.

A king demands allegiance.

The question is not:

“Do you know who Jesus is?”

The question is:

“Has Jesus become your King?”

Conclusion

The Kingdom is near because the King has come.

God’s answer to humanity’s deepest need is not a system, religion, or philosophy.

God’s answer is Jesus Christ.

Have you surrendered to the King?

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!