At Christmas, we celebrate more than a baby in a manger—we proclaim the arrival of a King. In this message from The Long Awaited King series, we turn to Matthew 2 and explore how different people responded when Jesus finally arrived on the scene.

Through the story of the Magi, King Herod, and the religious leaders of Jerusalem, we see three distinct responses to Jesus: hostility, indifference, and worship. While Herod felt threatened and the religious leaders remained unmoved, the Magi responded with humility, joy, and wholehearted worship.

This message invites us to reflect on our own response to King Jesus. Are we resisting Him out of pride? Shrugging Him off through familiarity or routine? Or are we approaching Him with curiosity, humility, and worship—like the Magi did?

As we celebrate Christmas, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t come merely to inspire us, but to rescue us. The King is here—and He is worthy of our worship, trust, and lives.

Key Scripture Passages:
Matthew 2:1–12Micah 5:2Isaiah 9:2, 6

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branchchurchmn.org

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome and Setting the Christmas Scene(02:05) The Arrival of the Magi(04:55) Who Were the Magi?(06:45) God Draws People in Unexpected Ways(08:30) A King Who Demands a Response(09:45) Response #1: Hostility – King Herod(12:45) Pride, Power, and Missing Jesus(14:30) Response #2: Indifference – The Religious Leaders(17:05) When Religion Replaces Relationship(18:55) Letting Jesus “Shake the Tree”(21:05) Response #3: Worship – The Magi(23:20) Joy That Leads to Worship(25:10) The Meaning of the Gifts(27:00) The King Who Came to Save(28:30) Invitation to Respond(30:00) Closing Prayer and Candlelight Worship

Key Takeaways

• God often draws people to Himself through unexpected means

• Pride and fear can cause us to resist Jesus

• Familiarity with faith can lead to spiritual indifference

• True worship flows from humility and curiosity

• Jesus came not just to be admired, but to be followed

• The birth of Jesus points us toward the cross

• The King is here—and He invites a response

Keywords:
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