We are talking about worship this week, and I always think of the Christmas story when I think of what it looks like to worship God. Let’s get caught up in the goodness of Christ Jesus today!
Show Notes:
- Who Is Jesus? Let us introduce you!
- Have a prayer request? Leave it here.
- We’d love for you to leave a review. We know most of our listeners come from Apple podcasts and if that is you, please take a moment to rate the podcast and tell us what you loved about this episode. It helps us reach more people!
Transcription:
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
Can you smell the frankincense and myrrh? Can you see the gold shining as we kick off today’s episode of the Bible for Busy People? Hi, I’m Erica, your host, and we are talking about worship this week, and I always think of the Christmas story when I think of what it looks like to worship God. Here were three kings who saw a star rise in the east and they followed it to the star maker. To the place where Jesus Christ, the son of God, who was born to die for the sins of us people he loved so much, was born. They followed the star to the star maker. Don’t you love it? And there they worshiped him and they brought him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. It is such a beautiful story and it’s the place I wanted to start today because in order to truly worship God and to get into that space, that posture of praise, it is so good to remember who He is. He is the king. It reminds me of Mr. Beaver in the Chronicles of Narnia when he speaks of Aslan the lion, and he says, “He’s the king. I tell you, and not just the king, but the king of kings and Lord of lords.”
We are going to explore more of the names Jesus is known by in moments right now. We’re going to fast forward to later in the life of Jesus. We just visited the place of his birth in that cave in Bethlehem, where three kings knelt down because they knew who he was and you and I know who he is. He is one who is worthy of worship. So come on, travel with me back to a few days before the Lord died for you and me, to open the door to heaven for us sinful people in need of a savior. He bled for you and bled for me to bring us back into right relationship with God the Father. Just a few days before Jesus lived out the greatest act of love in history on the cross, just a few days before he was dishonored, he was honored. Join me now in Matthew chapter 21 beginning in verse one.
As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” 4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’” 6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Now, I am sure many of these people waving their palm branches were excited to be a part of a movement. Perhaps they thought that Jesus was there to set them free from Roman rule, right? These were oppressive times. Many of them didn’t really know who Jesus was, that he was the Messiah riding in so humble on that donkey just as the scriptures foretold, but you and I, we know who He is. We can worship him today because He is everything that you and I need. The living water, the bread of life, He is our savior. He is our redeemer and rescuer. He is our Lord.
As I said earlier, the Lord of Lords, the king of kings, the Lamb of God, right? Who bled for you and bled for me. He was our good shepherd and is still today, but he became the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. That’s just how good of a good shepherd he is. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and perhaps my favorite, the Prince of Peace. The Bible actually says, I believe it’s in Micah. He himself is our peace, and that’s why when Paul writes in Philippians chapter four, that peace is available in crazy circumstances. You know why? It’s because peace is a person. Peace is Jesus, and Jesus is Emmanuel, which means God is with us. Which peace is with us at all times. There is peace in his presence. The joy of the Lord is our strength, which means joy is always available. Strength is always available because he is with us strengthening us when we are tired physically and mentally and spiritually. He is there to rejuvenate us. He is our everything. You know what else the Bible says Jesus is? Aren’t you encouraged? Aren’t you feeling like I want to worship him right now? It says Jesus is the Word. Join me now in John. John’s gospel, chapter one beginning in verse one.
In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word that you and I are reading right now together, okay?
The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it
You and I worship the Light of the World and that Light can never be extinguished. Jesus is everything you and I have covered today, but we’ve only scratched the surface. He is everything we need. He has all the things we need. Jesus, we lift up our hands, we lift up our hearts, and we worship you now and forever. Until next time, you are loved.
Thank you for making time for the Bible for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God… I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find, and thrive, in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.
Find more podcasts that will recharge you at onpurposely.com.
