Seek First the Kingdom: God’s Invitation to Life and Joy in the Book of MatthewSample

The King’s Crowning

We expect royal families to act, dress, speak and live in ways that match their standing. If we ran into the Queen of England eating solo at a local dive restaurant, we’d be sorely disappointed. We’d want to experience her, if we could, in all her pomp and glory. To that end, perhaps to meet the public’s expectation and represent their country well, the British royal family must follow specific rules as they interface with their public.

When the Queen stands, no one sits. Royal husbands and wives must not show any public displays of affection. Royals must remain completely neutral on political matters: no voting or making political statements. They can’t take selfies or sign autographs, be seen or photographed in casual clothing, and royal women are to wear pantyhose in public. The public is expected to never touch a royal, aside from shaking an extended, gloved hand.

Jesus endured expectations about His kingship as well, and almost no one expected how He’d eventually be crowned King.

So far, we’ve observed how Matthew named Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and prophecies: He was the Anointed One, sent specifically by God to serve, save, and shepherd. By performing miracles and casting out demons, Jesus proved His divine authority over every realm, whether seen or unseen.

However, He also gained followers who believed “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” (Matt. 3:2). This meant that the Jewish people would soon cast off oppressive rule and reign in their nation under His authority. Jesus would certainly soon reign, but it would not be in the way they—or anyone else—assumed.

Read Matthew 21:1-11 in light of the Jews’ expectations of the Messiah.

All along the way to His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus told His followers they should expect something different than an earthly kingdom.

Jesus’ closest friends—Jews themselves—remained confused and bewildered by this talk of suffering, death, and resurrection.

Read Matthew 16:21-23.

What Jesus foretold about Himself came true. He was tortured, crucified on a cross, and in a grave for three days before He resurrected, overcoming death. (You can read the entire account in Matt. 27:15–28:10.)

Read Philippians 2:5-11.

The servant, through His service, has become King!

The King’s crowning ceremony happened in a way the Jews didn’t expect. He showed himself to be King, not by taking political power or amassing wealth and influence, but by laying down His life for our sake. This is the King we follow.

What’s one main takeaway you learned about the King and the kingdom this week?

For more of this study, including teaching videos by author Christine Hoover, visit lifeway.com/seekfirst.

Endnotes

1. Patrick Schreiner, “5 Reasons Matthew Begins with a Genealogy,” The Gospel Coalition, Jan. 1, 2020. Available online at www.thegospelcoalition.org.

2. D. A. Carson, “Matthew,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. by Frank Garba (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984), 74.

3. Scholars debate why Matthew chose to interchange “God” with “heaven” regarding the kingdom. For further reading, see Justin Taylor’s “An Interview with Jonathan Pennington,” available online at www.thegospelcoalition.org.

4. Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 55–56.

5. Ruby Buddemeyer and Charlotte Chilton, “60 Strict Rules the Royal Family Has to Follow,” Marie Claire, Dec. 12, 2019. Available online at www.marieclaire.com.