The Son of David
Matthew 1:1; 2:1-2
Purpose: To explain the importance of the title “Son of David.”
Aim: I want the listener to humbly worship Christ as King.
INTRODUCTION: History records for us an interesting footnote. It was during the dark winter of 1864. At Petersburg, Virginia, the Confederate army of Robert E. Lee faced the Union divisions of General Ulysses S. Grant. The war was now three and a half years old and the glorious charge had long since given way to the muck and mud of trench warfare. Late one evening one of Lee’s generals, Major General George Pickett, received word that his wife had given birth to a beautiful baby boy. Up and down the line the Southerners began building huge bonfires in celebration of the event. These fires did not go unnoticed in the Northern camps and soon a nervous Grant sent out a reconnaissance patrol to see what was going on. The scouts returned with the message that Pickett had had a son and these were celebratory fires. It so happened that Grant and Pickett had been contemporaries at West Point and knew one another well, so to honor the occasion Grant, too, ordered that bonfires should be built.
What a peculiar night it was. For miles on both sides of the lines fires burned. No shots fired. No yelling back and forth. No war fought. Only light, celebrating the birth of a child. But it didn’t last forever. Soon the fires burned down and once again the darkness took over. The darkness of the night and the darkness of war.
The good news of Christmas is that in the midst of a great darkness there came a light, and the darkness was not able to overcome the light. It was not just a temporary flicker. It was an eternal flame. We need to remember that. There are times, in the events of the world and in the events of our own personal lives, that we feel that the light of the world will be snuffed out. But the Christmas story affirms that whatever happens, the light still shines.
One day the Pharisees were talking about the Messiah and Jesus asked them, ✔ “What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?” (Matthew 22:42 NAU). This was a controversial question. When the people from Christ’s hometown of Nazareth were confronted with His miracles they asked, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?” (Matthew 13:55 NAU). By implication they were saying that this man who they watched grow up could not possibly be devine.
It got worse. At one point the religious rulers implied that Jesus was, “ born of fornication” (John 8:41 NAU). They went on to accuse Jesus of being controlled by Satan: The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” (John 8:48 NAU)
The worst accusation came when they said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” (Mark 3:22 NAU)
The Bible answers the question about Christ’s son-ship three different ways. Jesus often referred to Himself as the Son of Man. This was a title for the Messiah that highlighted His role as Savior and deliverer. Jesus is also referred to as the Son of God. This name points to His position as God. Jesus was also called the Son of David which pointed to His role as King of Israel and King of the earth.
Whose Son is He?
Jesus Son of Man
Christ Son of David
Lord Son of God
By the way, calling Jesus “Son” does not mean that He was created at some point in time. The Bible is clear that Jesus is eternal. “Son” refers to His position in the Trinity. Jesus was appointed Son by the Father. “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” (Psalm 2:7 NAU)
Today I want us to look at just one of these titles for Jesus Christ. Lets’s learn the importance of the title Son of David by asking a series of questions.
I. How Do We Know That Jesus Is The Son of David?
A. Jesus is a descendant of King David
Matthew 1:1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: (NAU) Matthew 1:6 Jesse was the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah. (NAU) Matthew 1:16 Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. (NAU)
B. Jesus was virgin born
Isaiah 7:13-14 13 Then he said, “Listen now, O house of David! . . . 14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. (NAU)
C. Jesus was born in David’s city
Luke 2:1-7 1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 . . . 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NAU)
Herod asked, Matthew 2:4-6 4 . . . where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” (NAU)
D. Jesus performed miracles
Matthew 12:22-23 22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. 23 All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?” (NAU)
Matthew 15:22 a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” (NAU) Matthew 12:28 “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (NAU)
Matthew 20:30 And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” (NAU) Matthew 20:34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him. (NAU)
II. Why is The Son of David Significant?
A little girl once opened a big box under the Christmas tree. What she found inside was a giant doll that, when set upright, towered over her. Her parents noticed a few minutes later that the doll had fallen to the side, but the little girl was having a ball playing in the over sized box. We’re apt to do the same at Christmas, discarding the baby but having a great time with the wrappings. Christmas is all about Christ, but we often forget how important Christ is.[Morgan, R. J. (2001). Nelson’s annual preacher’s sourcebook : 2002 edition (electronic ed.) (372). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.]
A. The Son of David is David’s Lord
Matthew 22:41-45 41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?” They said to Him, “The son of David.” 43 He said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying, 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet” ’? 45 “If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?” (NAU)
Luke 1:32 “. . . the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; (NAU)
B. The Son of David will rule as the eternal King of Israel
God promised this to David through Nathan the prophet. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 12 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his [Solomon’s] kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.” (NAU) How can an earthly kingdom be eternal? The only was is to have an eternal king – One who will never die.
✔ Luke 1:33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (NAU)
Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
✔ 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. (NAU)
✔ Psalm 89:29 “So I will establish his descendants forever And his throne as the days of heaven. (NAU)
Jesus publicly offered Himself as the King of Israel. Luke 19:37-38 37 As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, 38 shouting: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (NAU)
C. The Son of David will rule over Jews and Gentiles
Ephesians 1:19-22 19 the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, (NAU)
The church is made up of Jews and Gentiles.
Revelation 22:16-17 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. (NAU)
III. What Does The Son of David Do?
A. The Son of David conquers all
1 Corinthians 15:22-26 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death. (NAU)
B. The Son of David pays for our sins
A woman who was doing her last-minute Christmas shopping at a crowded mall. She was tired of fighting the crowds. Her feet hurt. She was tired of standing in lines. She was tired of fighting her way down long aisles looking for a gifts that were sold out. Her arms were full of bulky packages when the elevator door opened. It was full.
Everyone grudgingly crowed together so that there would be a small space for her and her load. As the doors closed she blurted out, “Whoever is responsible for this whole Christmas thing ought to be arrested, strung up, and shot!” A few others nodded their heads or grunted in agreement. Then, from somewhere in the back of the elevator came a single voice that said, “Don’t worry, Mam. They already crucified Him.”
Luke 1:67-69 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant, (NAU)
IV. How Has The Son of David Been Treated?
A. Some common people want Him to rule
Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem is an example. Matthew 21:6-11 6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, 7 and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. 8 Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. 9 The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna [“save us we pray”] to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” 10 When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” (NAU)
Matthew 21:46 When they [the Pharisees] sought to seize Him, they feared the people, because they considered Him to be a prophet. (NAU)
You will want Jesus to rule on this earth, and in your heart, when you belong to Him. Jesus said, John 8:47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” (NLT)
B. Many don’t know He is a ruler
Luke 19:41-42 41 When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. (NAU)
Maybe we should be weeping over Philadelphia because there are so many who don’t know that Jesus is The Son of David who has come to save and to rule.
C. The rulers rejected His rule
Luke 19:37-40 37 As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, 38 shouting: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” (NAU)
Matthew 21:14-17 14 And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant 16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” 17 ✔ And He left them . . . . (NAU)
CONCLUSION: The Lord Jesus Christ whom we exalt at Christmas is not just a baby in a manger. He is not just a character in a children’s story. He is far more Let’s give praise to our Savior who is The Son of David, the One who is the rightful ruler of all creation. Let’s worship the King who died as a criminal so we could live like kings.
The first time he came, he came veiled in the form of a child.
The next time He comes, and we believe it will be soon, He will come unveiled, and it will be abundantly and immediately clear to all the world just who He really is.
The first time He came, a star marked his arrival.
The next time He comes, the whole heavens will roll up like a scroll, and all the stars will fall out of the sky, and He himself will light the sky.
The first time He came, wise men and shepherds brought Him gifts.
The next time He comes, He will bring gifts, rewards for His own.
The first time He came, there was no room for Him.
The next time he comes, the whole world will not be able to contain His glory.
The first time He came, only a few attended His arrival – some shepherds and some wise men.
The Next time He comes, every eye shall see Him.
The first time He came as a baby. Soon He will come as sovereign King and Lord.[Autoillustrator.com, CHRISTMAS]
He became poor so we could be rich!
He became humble so we could be lifted up!
He became human so we could become perfect!
He became man so we could become His friend!
