Luke 1:32–33 (NLT) Hebrews 12:1–3 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Our King was . Luke 1:32 (NLT) 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. Matthew 1:1 (NLT) This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham: Our King was . Isaiah 9:7 (NLT) His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! How do we know this messiah-king is Jesus? Isaiah 35:5–6 (NLT) 5 And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. 6 The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Matthew 20:34 (NLT) 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. Our King is . Luke 1:33 (NLT) And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” John 18:36–37 (NLT) 36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” 37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” What now? Make King Jesus personal. Reject autonomy & self-sufficiency. Continuing The Conversation: 1. Why do you think so many humans are hyper-focused on focusing their life on their individual autonomy or self sufficiency? 2. What is it that you’ve discovered about Jesus that makes you willing to submit to him as your King?