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Following Jesus – Seeking the KING! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the December 22, 2024 sermon, “Following Jesus: Seeking the KING!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 2:1-12

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  
Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live life following Jesus.  While the world at large saw nothing remarkable about another baby being born, a group of Magi saw “his star” and set off to seek the . . .

  • Knowledge:  Matthew 2:1-2

    • Seeking the King begins with our desire to know Christ even as we are known by Him.  This knowing and being known is a level of intimacy which produces a new life . . . our new life in Christ.  

  • Intention:  Matthew 2:3-4, 7-8

    • Seeking the King requires that we accurately examine our intention and motive for finding Him.  The intention of the Magi was to worship the King in recognition of the One who was worthy.  Herod’s intention in seeking the King was not of noble cause as he sought to kill Him.  We seek the King in a worthy manner when we approach Him with the intent of exalting Him in the worship He alone is due.  

  • Need:  Matthew 2:5-6

    • Seeking the King leads us to examining the need which only He can meet.  We often develop our own lists of things we think we need and then become disappointed when God doesn’t give us all we desire.  His desire is that we look to Him and His Word for a better understanding of what is important enough to actually be a need.  We seek the King in a productive manner when we know our need for both a ruler and a shepherd.

  • Gifts:  Matthew 2:9-12

    • Seeking the King causes us to seek the gifts fit for a king.  While most focus on Christmas often grows from seeking the gifts we desire to receive, the result of seeking the King should lead us to pursue the gifts we can give.  While the greatest gift of all was given to us in Jesus, the good news of that gift is also the greatest gift we can give to others.

Today, how will you seek the KING?