Sermon: Revelation of Our King, Our High Priest, and Our Savior

Walnut Grove

Sermon Date: 1/5/ 2025

Bible Verses: John 1:1-18, Matthew 2:11

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Introduction: Today, we gather to celebrate Epiphany, the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. This day reminds us of the visit of the Magi, the Wise Men, who brought gifts to the Christ child. These gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carry profound significance. They reveal who Jesus is: our King, our Great High Priest, and our Sacrificial Savior. Let us turn to Scripture to understand how these truths come together in the Word made flesh.

1. The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-18)

John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This eternal Word, Jesus Christ, became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). In Him, we see the fullness of God’s grace and truth.

1. Jesus as the Light of the World:

• John 1:5 tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus came to dispel the darkness of sin and bring life to all who believe.
• Isaiah 9:2 prophesied, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” This light has come in the person of Christ, revealing God’s glory to both Jew and Gentile.

God’s Grace Manifested:

• John 1:16-17 reminds us, “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
• Jesus’ incarnation is the ultimate expression of God’s love and His desire to redeem humanity.

1. Jesus as King (Gold)

When the Magi arrived, they presented gold, a gift fit for a king (Matthew 2:11). This act signifies Jesus’ kingship over all creation.

1. Jesus as the Sovereign King:

• Revelation 19:16 proclaims, “On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
• Jesus’ authority was evident from His birth. The Wise Men worshipped Him, acknowledging His divine kingship.

Our Response to the King:

• Psalm 2:10-12 exhorts rulers to “serve the LORD with fear…blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”
• As believers, we are called to bow before Jesus as King, submitting our lives to His rule.

III. Jesus as High Priest (Frankincense)

The Magi’s gift of frankincense symbolizes Jesus’ role as our Great High Priest. Frankincense was used in temple worship, representing prayers rising to God.

1. Jesus’ Priestly Ministry:

• Hebrews 4:14-16 assures us, “We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God…Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.”
• Jesus intercedes for us, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

The Invitation to Worship:

• 1 Timothy 2:5 declares, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
• Just as the Magi worshipped Jesus, we too are invited to offer our prayers and worship to Him.

1. Jesus as Sacrifice (Myrrh)

The gift of myrrh, used in embalming, foreshadows Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. He came not only to live among us but to die for us.

1. Jesus’ Sacrificial Death:

• John 1:29: John the Baptist declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
• Isaiah 53:5 prophesied, “He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.”

Victory Through Sacrifice:

• Hebrews 10:10: “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
• Jesus’ death and resurrection secure our salvation and give us hope for eternal life.

Conclusion:

The gifts of the Magi reveal the profound truth of who Jesus is:

• Gold for the King of kings who reigns over all.
• Frankincense for the Great High Priest who intercedes for us.
• Myrrh for the Sacrificial Savior who gave His life for our redemption.

As we celebrate Epiphany, let us respond to these truths with hearts of worship. Like the Magi, let us offer our treasures—our time, talents, and lives—to the One who is worthy. And let us proclaim to the world the good news that the Word became flesh, full of grace and truth, so that all might know the light of Christ.