Portraits of Jesus Christ - His ‘Kingship’    Philippians 2:5-11

When you and I think of a portrait we think in terms of a picture.  We love pictures.  Pictures of loved ones, family and friends (selfies). Pictures of places and events. Pictures capture great moments in time for us to look back and remember.  Becky has a few pictures of our children when they were little as part of the ornaments on our Christmas tree.  In terms of a portrait of Jesus, we may picture a baby in a manager (biblical narrative).  Common portraits are Jesus with long hair and a beard; picture seated at the table with His disciples; picture of Him holding a lamb; etc.,…but the Bible actually does not provide any physical descriptions of Jesus.  Isaiah only remarks “…when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isa. 53:2b).  The bible does in great detail describe His nature and character, especially in the four gospels.  Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the gospel writers were eyewitness to the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Each writer caught similar and different aspects of Jesus.  Matthew focused on Jesus’ Kingship.  Mark focused on Jesus’ servanthood.  Luke focused on Jesus’ humanity, while John focused on Jesus’ Deity.  Although we can see Jesus through the entirety of the Bible, Philippians chapter 2, verses 6 through 11 is considered by theologians to be the most comprehensive description of all aspects of Jesus’ nature and role.  All that being said, like any information, any truth, what you do with the information is your choice.  Jesus loves you with an unconditional love.  You can come to  Him just as you are.  When you see Jesus, maybe for the very first time, through the pages of scripture it can’t help but change you in the present and change your eternal destiny.  Jesus started at the highest place and he traveled to the lowest place just so you would come to know Him and invite Him in.  His greatest desire is that you take part in His eternal kingdom (present and to come).  To be part of this eternal kingdom you have to know Him as King!  That is, He is to reign and rule in your heart and life.  Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  Have you opened the door?  Will you let Him in?  You won’t regret it, in this life or the one soon to come!

Jesus indeed is “Lord of lords and King of kings!”

This advent Sunday brings a theme of “Hope!”  Hope founded upon the One and Only King - Jesus!

Pastor Rodney

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14