The Four Kings of Christmas (Jesus) (Part 5) (Mt. 1:18-25; 2:1-3, 9-10)

JESUS IS GOD OVER US.

“For we saw His star in the east . . .” (Mt. 2:2).

“ . . . the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was” (Mt. 2:9).

•  It is no great insight to say that the star was above the magi.
• That which is above means there is something or someone below. You're with me so far, right?
• The record also says that the star moved until it stopped.
• Why did it move? Think of the star as God's celestial GPS.
• Long before cars had On-Star, God had the natal star.
• The star in the east guided the magi to Jesus' precise location.
• Let's put the pieces together.
• Fact #1 > The star was above.
• Fact #2 > The star moved until it reached its destination.
• What do these facts mean?
• They mean that God governs us.
• They mean that God guides us.
• Peter combined governance and guidance in relation to people's souls. "For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls” (1 Pet. 2:25).
• The titles together speak of Jesus.
• Jesus is “Shepherd” in that He guides us.
• He guides us by His Word.
• He guides us by His voice.
• He guides us by His Spirit.
• He guides us by wise counsel.
• He guides us by previous experience.
• Jesus is “Guardian” in that He governs us.
• The word “Guardian” is better translated “Bishop,” an administrative title emphasizing supervision.
• Jesus – what a trustworthy Guardian! (2 Tim. 1:12)

Threatened But Not Alone (Jn 10:1-6)

Inside the fold the shepherd guards the sheep from thieves, robbers and suffocation. Outside the fold the shepherd guards the sheep from poisonous weeds, deep holes, steep ravines, various predators, nose flies, and injuries. While there is never a time the sheep are not at some risk, there is never a time The Good Shepherd is not present and active.

In and Out with the Shepherd (Jn 10:9)

Jesus leads His sheep into the sheepfold. That's the place of safety, comfort, familiarity, and pleasantry. All the sheep are together in a confined space within four walls. Doesn't that sound similar to Sunday morning service?

Pasture is found outside the sheepfold. Jesus leads His sheep out to pasture. Pasture involves some risk or hazard. This happens when we're not within the four walls of the church.

Christian living is a series of in and out movements.