The King has declared, "Come to me...and I will give you rest" (11:28). Theological controversy arises concerning the purpose and application of such rest. Do you find God's Word and work in your life liberating or constricting? Jesus sets the captive free and confronts the religious leaders concerning their evil hearts. Yet, in doing so, he powerfully reveals who he is. Even in the midst of rising hostility.

John is in prison for preaching the righteousness of God with courage and clarity. However, he begins to doubt when he does not see the King immediately swinging the axe as expected (Mt. 3:10a). As the King, Jesus delivers from doubt, pronounces judgement on those who refuse to repent and believe, and offers soul rest to all who come to the Father through him.

A Christian can easily avoid persecution by denying that he or she is Jesus' disciple. However, Jesus requires unqualified allegiance. He is on mission and those who follow him must deny self-will and embrace God's will at any cost. Kingdom harvest comes through sacrifice.

"What sort of man is this?" Walk with Jesus and his disciples in Matthew 8-9 to encounter the King's merciful and exceedingly powerful presence. Jesus has authority to heal and forgive. He brings mercy through sacrifice.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, "The glory of the gospel is that when the Church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it." In the Sermon on the Mount, the King teaches about the character of his Kingdom. He speaks of fulfillment, Father, and judgement with astonishing authority.

With the arrival of King Jesus, comes the dawning of his kingdom. In Matthew 4:12-25, we see the light of Christ breaking in and beginning to rule this dark world. Disciples and crowds are captured by his proclamation and power. Death's dark shadow begins to flee. This King will reverse the curse and this is but the beginning.

At the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry, he is lead by the Spirit to the wilderness where he is tempted by the devil. The Christian journey is one from baptism to battlefield. The King overcame for our salvation and also shows us how to overcome when tempted.

What does repentance mean? Why repent? How do we repent? What does a repentant life look like? John baptized with water for the forgiveness of sins, but why was King Jesus baptized? John momentarily wrestled with this very question. Today's sermon points to the Kingdom of Heaven and King who came to save us.

Jesus Christ is the long-expected King of the Jews, but he is King of the Gentiles too! Matthew highlights 5 OT fulfillments that reveal Christ's authoritative and marvelous appearing for people from every background, nation, and tongue. He fulfills the prophecies and he fulfills the lives of his people. O Come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

We begin this new year by looking to the King of Kings. Like Genesis, the book of Matthew is a book of beginnings. The New Testament commences with a lineage of Jesus the Christ that is wide-open for all to see. His line is comprised of men, women, adulterers, prostitutes, heroes, and Gentiles—and Jesus the Messiah will be Savior of all!