Hope at Home: He Is King

In a world full of noise, power struggles, and shifting values, the message of Scripture cuts through with a truth both ancient and eternal: There is a King who reigns. Not a metaphorical king. Not a symbolic idea. A real King—Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.

The Christmas story in Matthew 2 reminds us that when Jesus entered the world, He didn’t come as a politician, a celebrity, or an influencer. He came as King. Heaven announced Him. Creation responded to Him. And wise men travelled unthinkable distances to worship Him.

Their journey still speaks to us today.

1. Jesus Is King—and He Is Worthy of Praise

Matthew 2:1–11 tells the story of the Wise Men who searched for the newborn King. These weren’t Jewish priests or prophets. They were outsiders—Gentile astrologers—unlikely worshippers who had seen something in the sky that told them a King has come.

While Herod was troubled, clinging to his fragile earthly throne, the Wise Men were drawn to worship. One heart resisted the King; the other bowed before Him. Not because they understood all the prophecies, not because they had perfect theology, but because they recognised His worth.

They travelled hundreds of miles across deserts and borders—simply to bow and bring gifts.

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
A crown, a priesthood, and a burial.
A King, a Saviour, and a sacrifice.

These gifts told the story of Jesus’ identity long before His ministry began.

It’s worth asking: How far are we willing to go to worship the King?
What comforts are we willing to lay aside?
What distractions are we willing to sacrifice?

In a culture that encourages convenience, the Wise Men challenge us to pursue Christ with intentionality. Worship isn’t accidental—it’s a choice. A journey. A sacrifice of praise.

2. The King Is in His Holy Place—How Will We Approach Him?

Psalm 24 asks a powerful question:
“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place?”

The answer isn’t about status, wealth, or background.
It’s about posture.
It’s about purity.
It’s about the heart.

“Clean hands and a pure heart” isn’t a checklist—it’s an invitation. A call to bring our whole selves before the King with humility, honesty, and reverence.

If Jesus is King—not just a helper, a friend, or a comforter—then our approach to Him should reflect His authority. We show respect and honour not out of fear, but out of love for the One who made us, saved us, and laid down His life for us.

Bowing before Jesus isn’t about a physical posture—though that can be powerful. It’s about a heart posture. A willingness to surrender, yield, and acknowledge:
“You are King, and I am not.”

In John 4, Jesus speaks of a new kind of worship—the kind God desires:
“Worship in spirit and truth.”

Not empty ritual.
Not tradition without heart.
Not performance.
But real, authentic devotion.

And so we must ask ourselves:

Where does my attention go when I wake up?
Where does my mind wander throughout the day?
Where does my heart bow?

We all worship something—our phones, success, approval, comfort, relationships. But only one throne belongs to Jesus.

The King is in His holy place.
Let us come before Him with reverence. Let us approach Him with bowed hearts.

3. He Is the King of Glory

Psalm 24 calls Him “The King of Glory.”

Not just a king.
Not just a teacher.
Not just a miracle worker.
The King of Glory.

Hebrews 2:9 tells us that we do see Jesus—
“made a little lower than the angels… crowned with glory and honour.”

The One who created the universe humbled Himself for us. He took on the limitations of humanity. He entered our world, carried our sin, endured our suffering, and conquered death so we might know life.

This is the King we worship:
A King who stooped low so we could stand redeemed.
A King who wore a crown of thorns before He wore a crown of glory.
A King who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

And if He is King—truly King—then our response cannot be half-hearted. We are called to live as people who recognise His glory. People who acknowledge His majesty in our decisions, our habits, our worship, our priorities, and our daily walk.

To say “Jesus is King” is not a slogan. It is a declaration of allegiance.

It means:
He reigns over my past.
He reigns over my present.
He reigns over my future.
He reigns over my decisions, desires, and daily life.

This is the heart of worship—recognising His glory and responding with surrender.

So What Do We Do With This?

If Jesus truly is King, then Christmas is more than a season of lights, gifts, and nostalgia. It is a reminder of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. A King who reigns in power and love. A Saviour who deserves our highest praise.

The Wise Men teach us to seek.
Psalm 24 calls us to ascend.
Hebrews invites us to behold His glory.

In a world that crowns itself repeatedly, may we be a people who recognise the True King.
A people who bow.
A people who worship.
A people who approach the King of Glory with awe, reverence, joy, and surrender.

He is King.
Now and forever.
And He is worthy.

Application Questions

1. What practical “journey” do you need to take to draw closer to Jesus in worship this season?
2. What distractions or comforts might you need to lay down to honour Him as King?
3. How can you intentionally approach God with “clean hands and a pure heart” this week?
4. Where is your heart bowing daily—toward Christ, or toward something else?
5. What would change in your life if you lived every day with the awareness that Jesus is the King of Glory?