For this Cause I was Born: Introduction

***This series is taken from a sermon preached by Bob Roberts at Word of Life Slavic Baptist Church on December 24th, 2023. Find the full sermon below. Note: The sermon is being interpreted into Russian for the largely Slavic congregation.***

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

John 18:37

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:2

The first element of a king’s wardrobe that first occurs to most people is the crown that he wears. It’s a symbol of authority, power, and wealth. It highlights his position as the sovereign over the land he rules. There are many passages in Scripture that prophecy the Lord in His full glory and it’s obvious that the sight is completely overwhelming and indescribable to the one seeing the visions of Jesus Christ as reigning King. (Daniel 7; Revelation 1) But, the crown He wore while on earth was the very opposite of what you would imagine for a king. It was this crown that gave him the right to His eternal glorious rule. (Hebrews 2:9)

Jesus was born a king, the promised Messiah who would reign eternally on David’s throne. (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 45) His “crime” of being the King of the Jews was publically broadcast in three languages above His head on His cross. But this very “crime” and consequent punishment of death was the purpose for which He came, and the cause for His eternal exaltation.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.

Philippians 2:8

Jesus is King by birth. But Jesus is also King by VICTORY. He fully earned His eternal KINGSHIP! So, what exactly was Christ doing on the cross?

Since we are celebrating the birth of King Jesus, let’s imagine 5 gemstones on His crown that represent one of His accomplishments on the cross. Over the next several posts, we will explore one of the 5 gems listed below.

Jesus Christ is the long-awaited Prophet, Priest, and King. Every other human who was chosen to fill these roles throughout the Old Testament accounts failed to accurately fulfill or represent Christ’s ultimate accomplishments in these three areas.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate prophet since He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He is the visible representation of the Father to us, and the Living Word. This prophet would die for the truth He proclaimed just like many of the prophets of old who only were given a small amount of truth to proclaim.

Jesus Christ is greater than any other high priest because His sacrifice on the cross was once and for all. It did not only cover sin, but He was both the priest and spotless lamb who took away the sins of the world. It was His own death that brought forgiveness and life rather than the sacrifice of an innocent animal.

Jesus Christ is the King of kings. He fulfilled all of the prophecies and promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David. In an earthly sense, his lineage gave Him the right to kingship. But, only because of His death and victorious resurrection can He claim an eternal throne. His ultimate defeat of sin and death means He truly reigns as Sovereign Lord forever and ever.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the common thread between the roles Christ holds as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King? Consider the Philippians 2 passage given above. What was necessary for Him to fulfill each role to perfection, surpassing other humans who held similar roles throughout time?
2. How does the Isaiah 63 prophecy of Messiah demonstrate Jesus’ coming role as both conquering king and suffering servant? Why do you think it was so difficult for the Jews of that period to reconcile a defeated king with what they believed to be true of Messiah based on the Torah?
3. Did you notice from the passages of Christ’s eternal reign, there is no mention of a crown? How do passages like Isaiah 62:3, Hebrews 2:9, and I Thessalonians 2:19 give clarity to what makes Christ our King so glorious?