Let us pray: Dear Savior, You are our Lord, our King, and our God. You are the only One Who laid down Your life to save our souls and insure for us an eternal future. So today we re-affirm our allegiance to You and promise to follow You everywhere in all things, knowing the future will be a glorious one. Amen
GRACE MERCY AND PEACE ARE YOURS FROM CHRIST THE KING!
TEXT: Matthew 27: 27-31
Dearly Beloved in Christ:
Kid’s sermons are challenging. It’s difficult to reduce any of God’s amazing truths down to their level so that they begin to grasp the complexity behind it all. Kids are naturally a bit simplistic in their thinking. So if you ask them a question about whose behind their gift of faith, their ability to understand the resurrection, or any other truth, they usually revert to the default answer: God. It’s true. But it’s a catch-all answer. Today let’s do the reverse in this sermon to further fathom the richness of: Christ the King.
I
What human leader in all history is your pick for #1 status? Well, that depends on how you define leadership. But when it comes to: power, influence, and changing the course of history, my leader would be: Alexander the Great.
He was born as the Prince of Macedonia, a small Greek state. His father, Philip II, was a great warrior who originated modern military tactics. Philip died, was murdered, and the 20ish Alexander took over. He spent the next 10 years of his life changing the known world. He consolidated the Greek states, conquered the Persian empire although vastly outnumbered, took over Egypt, and essentially controlled the entire Med. Basin and beyond—even to India! He fought millions with a small army of between 10-30,000 Greek warriors! His candle torched brightly for about 10 years and then, at his zenith, he died from being poisoned.
To me, Alexander was great because he did the seemingly impossible. He had excellent tutors as a youngster, including the famous Aristotle. He was fearless in battle, usually leading the charge in the thick of fighting. His men loved him because he wasn’t afraid to put his life on the line for them. He was thoughtful, bold, brash, and fearless. He was a goal-setter who attained them. If you were on his side, you’d embrace him, too. But, like all human leaders, his arrogance got the better of him and with each step toward more greatness, humbleness was left in the dust. Ultimately, his hubris got him killed and disillusioned followers hastened his demise.
Think back on world leaders. This same pattern repeats itself time and again. Lord Acton’s “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” comes to mind. Julius Caesar, all the Pharoahs of Egypt, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Stalin—they all attained absolute leadership via cunning, guile, and fear. But their subjects basically revolted in the end because leadership via fear doesn’t work long-term. People only embrace leaders who are “for them” and willing to prove it, instead of: “over them.” This, coupled with inborn pride is the reason why kingdoms rise and then fall—along with their leaders.
II
Here’s the kid sermon part of it all: “Who is the greatest Leader in all history?” God, in the person of Jesus Christ. He was born in Bethlehem, as the King of the Jews.—Recall the Magi calling Him that. He was born fully human, possessing a body and a soul, alongside His Divine nature. He was also born without sin and the corrosive prideful spirit that comes with it. He was humble. He was for the average person. He led the work, He did the work, all of it, when it came to saving lost souls like ours. He never hid out or flinched in the face of adversity, opposition, or even death. He led by total example. And it all got Him killed on a cross. Humanly speaking, in life His “poll numbers” were low. In death they grew exponentially. So, when the soldiers mocked Him by whipping Him right before nailing Him to that cross and shouted: “Hail, king of the Jews” the irony of it all is amazing. He truly was the King of God’s people Who saved souls with humility. And He still does today after all leaders are either dust, or waiting to become dust.
Today the world is becoming increasingly global. This is true of nations, economies, and the group think they seek to impose on little people like you and me. Even the leaders in and of Silicon Valley, are now called: The Masters of the Universe! But like all human empires, they will all die and their arrogance-driven edifices will crumble. But not Jesus Christ’s! His Church, will remain with Him as the Head because “Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, today, and forever.” Love and humility last. Fear succumbs in the end. And since our King rules with love, forgiveness, and compassion, His Kingdom, like Him, will never end. His resurrection from the dead proves that. So, get on board His train to heaven, believe in Him, and give your heart to Him alone, for then nothing can ever derail you. Amen
THE PEACE OF GOD WHICH…..
Pastor Thomas H. Fox