December 23, 2024 • 12 mins
In this concluding message of The Gift series, titled "A King Like No Other," we dive into the profound Kingship of Christ. With a unique blend of biblical truths and geek culture insights, we explore how Jesus' unexpected entry into the world, His sacrificial love, and eternal reign set Him apart as a King unlike any other. Celebrate the hope of Christmas with us and find inspiration for your spiritual journey.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Greater Guild Announcer (00:03):
Welcome to the Greater Guild Loading
Screen, the podcast where faithmeets geek culture. Pastor
Brandon is your guide for yourjourney into discovering
timeless truths in a way thatspeaks to geeks, gamers, and
everyone in between. Today,we're wrapping up our series,
The Gift, with a message titled,A King Like No Other. We'll
explore how Jesus' story mirrorsthe arcs of unexpected heroes we
(00:25):
love and why his kingshipchanges everything, both in our
lives and in the world. So grabyour favorite drink, find a cozy
spot, and let's dive into theultimate story of hope,
redemption, and a king like noother.
Pastor Brandon Holm (00:41):
Merry Christmas, and welcome to the
final message in our series, thegift. And as we conclude our
message for today, let's look atJesus as the king, but a king
like no other. And for thisChristmas season, let us reflect
on that kingship of Christ. Nowgold throughout history has been
(01:02):
a gift fit for a king. Itsignifies wealth, power, and
authority.
When the wise men presented goldto Jesus, they acknowledged his
kingship. But what makes Jesus aking like no other? His entry
into the world defies everyexpectation. See, in the 1st
century, people anticipated amessiah born into opulence,
power, and royalty. Basically,from the house of David in the
(01:25):
palace.
But instead, Jesus was born inpoverty in a manger surrounded
by animals. As it says in Luke2:7, and she gave birth to her
firstborn son and wrapped him inswaddling cloths and laid him in
a mainsure because there was noplace for them in the inn. This
profound moment demonstratesthat God's plan for salvation
(01:48):
transcends human understanding.The king of kings did not come
to establish a worldly kingdommarked by wealth and domination.
Instead, he came to usher in akingdom of grace, humility, and
sacrificial love.
His birthplace, not a palace,but a stable, was a declaration
that his rule would reach thelowest and the least expected.
(02:10):
And Jesus' story really mirrorsthe arc of the unexpected hero.
Take Frodo Baggins, our, youknow, favorite hobbit from the
Shire in Lord of the Rings, oreven Luke Skywalker, a farm boy
from Tatooine. Jesus came fromhumble beginnings to change the
world. His arrival flips thescript of what we imagine a hero
(02:31):
or a king to be, reminding usthat true power often comes
through humility and service.
Jesus' life continues tochallenge expectation. The king
of glory born in Nazareth, aplace dismissed with the
question, can anything good comeout of Nazareth? This was a king
who would associate withoutcasts, touch lepers, and
(02:52):
challenge the hypocrisy ofreligious leaders. I wish he'd
come back today and do that aswell. I'd want him to challenge
me, make sure I'm on thestraight and narrow.
He chose fishermen, taxcollectors, and societal rebels
as his closest followers. Hismission was for the broken and
the marginal. Moreover, hisapproach was unconventional even
(03:13):
in his choice of followers.Jesus Jesus sought those who
were overlooked and disregardedby society. This choice was not
incidental, but intentional,showcasing that his kingdom was
inclusive and transformative.
As Isaiah 9:6:7 proclaims, forto us a child is born, to us a
(03:34):
son is given, and the governmentshall be upon his shoulder. And
his name shall be calledwonderful counselor, mighty God,
everlasting father, prince ofpeace, of the increase of his
government, and of peace therewill be no end. This is not a
king demanding allegiance from athrone, but one who served
(03:56):
humbly. Philippians 26 through 8beautifully captures this. Who,
though he was in the form ofGod, did not count equally with
God a thing to be grasped butemptied himself by taking this
form of a servant being born inthe likeness of men and being
found in human form he humble hehumbled himself by becoming
(04:19):
obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross.
In this light, Jesus' kingshipis an invitation for us to
embrace humility and servitude.Following the example of a king
who came not to be served but toserve. His arrival challenges us
to rethink power, greatness, andwhat it truly means to reign.
(04:41):
Now Jesus, our king, was born todie. Unlike earthly kings who
seek to expand their kingdomsthrough conquest, Jesus expanded
his kingdom through sacrifice.
His death on the cross was not adefeat but the ultimate victory.
It was through his suffering andresurrection that he secured
salvation for all who believe.Consider the humility and love
(05:03):
displayed at the cross whileenduring unimaginable pain.
Jesus prayed for his executionersaying, Father, forgive them for
they know not what they do. Hiskingship was marked not by
taking life, by giving it.
His sacrifice was foretold longbefore his birth. Again, Isaiah
in chapter 53 verses 5 and 6, itdeclares, but he was pierced for
(05:29):
our transgressions. He wascrushed for our iniquities. Upon
him was the chastisement thatbrought us peace. With his
wounds, we are healed.
All all we like sheep have goneastray. We have turned everyone
to his own way, and the Lord haslaid on him the inequity of us
(05:49):
all. In telling in storytellingterms, this is the ultimate
sacrificial play. Reminiscent ofheroes like Iron Man giving his
life to save the universe orHarry Potter walk walking into
the Forbidden Forest to facedeath. Jesus' sacrifice was not
just noble or transformative,breaking the power of excuse me.
(06:10):
Jesus' sacrifice was not justnoble but transformative.
Breaking the power of sin anddeath. The resurrection is the
cornerstone of our faith and theultimate declaration of his
authority. Matthew 20 28:6proclaims, he is not here for he
has risen. As he said, come seethe place where he lay.
(06:31):
Jesus' triumph over deathsolidifies him as the king of
king and the lord of lords. Hiskingdom, unlike earthly
kingdoms, is eternal andunshakable. Hebrews 1228 reminds
us, therefore, let us begrateful for receiving a kingdom
that cannot be shaken, and thuslet us offer to God offer offer
(06:53):
to God acceptable worship withreverence and awe. Jesus'
sacrifice is the foundation ofthis kingdom inviting us to
partake in his victory and liveunder his rule of grace and
mercy. Now even today, peoplerespond to Jesus' kingship in 3
distinct ways much like those inthe 1st century.
(07:14):
The first way is opposition.King Herod opposed Jesus fearing
the loss of his throne. K. Somereject Jesus because they fear
losing control over their lives.They cling to their own
authority, unwilling tosurrender to the true king.
Proverbs 16 18 warns, pride goesbefore destruction and a haughty
(07:35):
spirit before a fall. OpposingJesus often stems from his from
a desire for self rule or evenjust to embrace a comfortable
sin, but such resistance leadsto separation from the very
source of life and purpose.Herod's opposition served as a
cautionary tale for those whofear for those who let fear and
(07:58):
pride dictate their response toChrist. Think of antagonists
like Emperor Palpatine orThanos, especially Thanos
because they clung to theirpower despite knowing their ways
could lead to ruin. Now thesecond, response usually is
dismissal.
The Jewish pre Jewish priestsdismissed Jesus despite their
(08:19):
knowledge of scripture. Theywere indifferent even though
they were just 5 miles away fromBethlehem. Similarly, many today
acknowledge Jesus in theory butfailed to live in his truth.
This goes for Christians aswell. Now this response is
perhaps the most subtle anddangerous.
James chapter 1, verse 22 urgesus, but be doers of the word and
(08:42):
not hearers only deceivingourselves. Dismissing Jesus may
appear harmless, but it denieshis rightful place in our hearts
and lives. It's like, ignoringthe wisdom of of Gandalf or the
guidance of Dumbledore, a missedopportunity for transformation.
Now finally, the third responseis worship. And we're not just
(09:03):
talking singing, we're talkinglike prayer and stuff like that.
You know, the wise men set theexample by bowing down and
worshiping Jesus. Their actionsremind us of the reverence and
awe that Jesus, our king,deserves. Matthew 211 recounts,
and going into the house, theysaw the child with Mary his
mother, and they fell down andworshiped him. Then opening
(09:25):
their treasures, they offeredhim gifts, gold, frankincense,
and myrrh. True worship ischaracterized by surrender and
adoration.
It acknowledges Jesus as theultimate authority and aligns
our lives to his will. Psalm 956calls out calls to us. Oh, come.
Let us worship and bow down. Letus kneel before the Lord, our
(09:49):
maker.
It's the kind of loyalty andreverence we see in stories,
like, when characters, you know,Samwise Gamgee or, Chewbacca.
Now they dedicate themselveswholly to their cause and the
cause of the of of the peoplethey they befriend or are
friends with. Which responsereflects your heart today?
(10:11):
Seriously. Are you opposing?
Are you dismissing? Or are youworshiping the king? Each
response carries eternalsignificance. And as I always
say when people challenge meabout Christ and Jesus and being
a Christian, you know, thechoice is yours. So this
Christmas, let us recognizeJesus as a king like no other.
(10:34):
He's not distant or uninvolved,but present, loving, and
sovereign. Revelation 1916declares, in his robe and on his
thigh, he has a name written,king of kings and lord of lords.
As we celebrate his birth, maywe bow and worship, offering our
lives as gifts to the king whogave everything for us. Let us
(10:56):
leave here today not just asadmirers of a historical figure,
but as followers of the livingking.
Greater Guild Announcer (11:06):
Thank you for joining us at the
Greater Guild loading screen. Wehope today's message, a king
like no other, has inspired youand reminded you of the profound
hope and love found in Jesus. Ifyou enjoyed this episode, don't
forget to subscribe and leave areview to help others discover
this podcast. You can alsoconnect with us on social media
or at www.greatergill.org tostay up to date on future
(11:31):
episodes, events, and more.Until next time.
Remember, just like in yourfavorite stories, the greatest
adventures often start withunexpected heroes. And in Jesus,
we have a king who turnseverything upside down for our
good. Stay safe, stay curious,and God
Pastor Brandon Holm (11:53):
bless.
Welcome to the Greater Guild Loading
Screen, the podcast where faithmeets geek culture. Pastor
Brandon is your guide for yourjourney into discovering
timeless truths in a way thatspeaks to geeks, gamers, and
everyone in between. Today,we're wrapping up our series,
The Gift, with a message titled,A King Like No Other. We'll
explore how Jesus' story mirrorsthe arcs of unexpected heroes we
(00:25):
love and why his kingshipchanges everything, both in our
lives and in the world. So grabyour favorite drink, find a cozy
spot, and let's dive into theultimate story of hope,
redemption, and a king like noother.
Pastor Brandon Holm (00:41):
Merry Christmas, and welcome to the
final message in our series, thegift. And as we conclude our
message for today, let's look atJesus as the king, but a king
like no other. And for thisChristmas season, let us reflect
on that kingship of Christ. Nowgold throughout history has been
(01:02):
a gift fit for a king. Itsignifies wealth, power, and
authority.
When the wise men presented goldto Jesus, they acknowledged his
kingship. But what makes Jesus aking like no other? His entry
into the world defies everyexpectation. See, in the 1st
century, people anticipated amessiah born into opulence,
power, and royalty. Basically,from the house of David in the
(01:25):
palace.
But instead, Jesus was born inpoverty in a manger surrounded
by animals. As it says in Luke2:7, and she gave birth to her
firstborn son and wrapped him inswaddling cloths and laid him in
a mainsure because there was noplace for them in the inn. This
profound moment demonstratesthat God's plan for salvation
(01:48):
transcends human understanding.The king of kings did not come
to establish a worldly kingdommarked by wealth and domination.
Instead, he came to usher in akingdom of grace, humility, and
sacrificial love.
His birthplace, not a palace,but a stable, was a declaration
that his rule would reach thelowest and the least expected.
(02:10):
And Jesus' story really mirrorsthe arc of the unexpected hero.
Take Frodo Baggins, our, youknow, favorite hobbit from the
Shire in Lord of the Rings, oreven Luke Skywalker, a farm boy
from Tatooine. Jesus came fromhumble beginnings to change the
world. His arrival flips thescript of what we imagine a hero
(02:31):
or a king to be, reminding usthat true power often comes
through humility and service.
Jesus' life continues tochallenge expectation. The king
of glory born in Nazareth, aplace dismissed with the
question, can anything good comeout of Nazareth? This was a king
who would associate withoutcasts, touch lepers, and
(02:52):
challenge the hypocrisy ofreligious leaders. I wish he'd
come back today and do that aswell. I'd want him to challenge
me, make sure I'm on thestraight and narrow.
He chose fishermen, taxcollectors, and societal rebels
as his closest followers. Hismission was for the broken and
the marginal. Moreover, hisapproach was unconventional even
(03:13):
in his choice of followers.Jesus Jesus sought those who
were overlooked and disregardedby society. This choice was not
incidental, but intentional,showcasing that his kingdom was
inclusive and transformative.
As Isaiah 9:6:7 proclaims, forto us a child is born, to us a
(03:34):
son is given, and the governmentshall be upon his shoulder. And
his name shall be calledwonderful counselor, mighty God,
everlasting father, prince ofpeace, of the increase of his
government, and of peace therewill be no end. This is not a
king demanding allegiance from athrone, but one who served
(03:56):
humbly. Philippians 26 through 8beautifully captures this. Who,
though he was in the form ofGod, did not count equally with
God a thing to be grasped butemptied himself by taking this
form of a servant being born inthe likeness of men and being
found in human form he humble hehumbled himself by becoming
(04:19):
obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross.
In this light, Jesus' kingshipis an invitation for us to
embrace humility and servitude.Following the example of a king
who came not to be served but toserve. His arrival challenges us
to rethink power, greatness, andwhat it truly means to reign.
(04:41):
Now Jesus, our king, was born todie. Unlike earthly kings who
seek to expand their kingdomsthrough conquest, Jesus expanded
his kingdom through sacrifice.
His death on the cross was not adefeat but the ultimate victory.
It was through his suffering andresurrection that he secured
salvation for all who believe.Consider the humility and love
(05:03):
displayed at the cross whileenduring unimaginable pain.
Jesus prayed for his executionersaying, Father, forgive them for
they know not what they do. Hiskingship was marked not by
taking life, by giving it.
His sacrifice was foretold longbefore his birth. Again, Isaiah
in chapter 53 verses 5 and 6, itdeclares, but he was pierced for
(05:29):
our transgressions. He wascrushed for our iniquities. Upon
him was the chastisement thatbrought us peace. With his
wounds, we are healed.
All all we like sheep have goneastray. We have turned everyone
to his own way, and the Lord haslaid on him the inequity of us
(05:49):
all. In telling in storytellingterms, this is the ultimate
sacrificial play. Reminiscent ofheroes like Iron Man giving his
life to save the universe orHarry Potter walk walking into
the Forbidden Forest to facedeath. Jesus' sacrifice was not
just noble or transformative,breaking the power of excuse me.
(06:10):
Jesus' sacrifice was not justnoble but transformative.
Breaking the power of sin anddeath. The resurrection is the
cornerstone of our faith and theultimate declaration of his
authority. Matthew 20 28:6proclaims, he is not here for he
has risen. As he said, come seethe place where he lay.
(06:31):
Jesus' triumph over deathsolidifies him as the king of
king and the lord of lords. Hiskingdom, unlike earthly
kingdoms, is eternal andunshakable. Hebrews 1228 reminds
us, therefore, let us begrateful for receiving a kingdom
that cannot be shaken, and thuslet us offer to God offer offer
(06:53):
to God acceptable worship withreverence and awe. Jesus'
sacrifice is the foundation ofthis kingdom inviting us to
partake in his victory and liveunder his rule of grace and
mercy. Now even today, peoplerespond to Jesus' kingship in 3
distinct ways much like those inthe 1st century.
(07:14):
The first way is opposition.King Herod opposed Jesus fearing
the loss of his throne. K. Somereject Jesus because they fear
losing control over their lives.They cling to their own
authority, unwilling tosurrender to the true king.
Proverbs 16 18 warns, pride goesbefore destruction and a haughty
(07:35):
spirit before a fall. OpposingJesus often stems from his from
a desire for self rule or evenjust to embrace a comfortable
sin, but such resistance leadsto separation from the very
source of life and purpose.Herod's opposition served as a
cautionary tale for those whofear for those who let fear and
(07:58):
pride dictate their response toChrist. Think of antagonists
like Emperor Palpatine orThanos, especially Thanos
because they clung to theirpower despite knowing their ways
could lead to ruin. Now thesecond, response usually is
dismissal.
The Jewish pre Jewish priestsdismissed Jesus despite their
(08:19):
knowledge of scripture. Theywere indifferent even though
they were just 5 miles away fromBethlehem. Similarly, many today
acknowledge Jesus in theory butfailed to live in his truth.
This goes for Christians aswell. Now this response is
perhaps the most subtle anddangerous.
James chapter 1, verse 22 urgesus, but be doers of the word and
(08:42):
not hearers only deceivingourselves. Dismissing Jesus may
appear harmless, but it denieshis rightful place in our hearts
and lives. It's like, ignoringthe wisdom of of Gandalf or the
guidance of Dumbledore, a missedopportunity for transformation.
Now finally, the third responseis worship. And we're not just
(09:03):
talking singing, we're talkinglike prayer and stuff like that.
You know, the wise men set theexample by bowing down and
worshiping Jesus. Their actionsremind us of the reverence and
awe that Jesus, our king,deserves. Matthew 211 recounts,
and going into the house, theysaw the child with Mary his
mother, and they fell down andworshiped him. Then opening
(09:25):
their treasures, they offeredhim gifts, gold, frankincense,
and myrrh. True worship ischaracterized by surrender and
adoration.
It acknowledges Jesus as theultimate authority and aligns
our lives to his will. Psalm 956calls out calls to us. Oh, come.
Let us worship and bow down. Letus kneel before the Lord, our
(09:49):
maker.
It's the kind of loyalty andreverence we see in stories,
like, when characters, you know,Samwise Gamgee or, Chewbacca.
Now they dedicate themselveswholly to their cause and the
cause of the of of the peoplethey they befriend or are
friends with. Which responsereflects your heart today?
(10:11):
Seriously. Are you opposing?
Are you dismissing? Or are youworshiping the king? Each
response carries eternalsignificance. And as I always
say when people challenge meabout Christ and Jesus and being
a Christian, you know, thechoice is yours. So this
Christmas, let us recognizeJesus as a king like no other.
(10:34):
He's not distant or uninvolved,but present, loving, and
sovereign. Revelation 1916declares, in his robe and on his
thigh, he has a name written,king of kings and lord of lords.
As we celebrate his birth, maywe bow and worship, offering our
lives as gifts to the king whogave everything for us. Let us
(10:56):
leave here today not just asadmirers of a historical figure,
but as followers of the livingking.
Greater Guild Announcer (11:06):
Thank you for joining us at the
Greater Guild loading screen. Wehope today's message, a king
like no other, has inspired youand reminded you of the profound
hope and love found in Jesus. Ifyou enjoyed this episode, don't
forget to subscribe and leave areview to help others discover
this podcast. You can alsoconnect with us on social media
or at www.greatergill.org tostay up to date on future
(11:31):
episodes, events, and more.Until next time.
Remember, just like in yourfavorite stories, the greatest
adventures often start withunexpected heroes. And in Jesus,
we have a king who turnseverything upside down for our
good. Stay safe, stay curious,and God
Pastor Brandon Holm (11:53):
bless.
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