Above Xerxes is another king. This [Esther] is not the only book of the Bible.
Above Xerxes there is another throne and the King on that throne didn’t invite us to just come and sit around and adore him. No, He came down and dwelt with us first, in the gutter.
Jesus is a better King.
Xerxes said of himself in an inscription uncovered by archaeologists:
I am Xerxes the great king, the only king, the king of all countries, which speak all languages, the king of this entire big and far reaching earth.
Xerxes thought he was Jesus. Some of us think we’re Jesus. Some us think others are Jesus and we honour, obey, worship, follow, adore people who think they’re Jesus.
But Jesus is a better King. Xerxes was the son of Darius. Jesus is the Son of God.
Xerxes never tasted humility or poverty. Jesus tasted both so that he could identify with us.
Xerxes used his power to abuse women. Jesus used his power to honour women.
Xerxes lived his life being served. Jesus spent his entire life on earth serving others.
Xerxes killed his enemies with an army of millions. Jesus died for his enemies and saved billions.
Xerxes sat on a throne in Susa. Jesus sits on a throne in highest heaven.
Xerxes was the most powerful man on earth. Jesus made this earth and the heavens and rules it all.
Xerxes said, ‘I will rule wherever the sun touches.’ Jesus made the sun and rules over it.
Xerxes died and today, no one worships him. Jesus conquered death and today billions worship him as the one and only God.
Xerxes thought he was a man who became a god. Jesus was God who became a man.
Xerxes has subjects from many nations. Jesus has joyful worshippers from all the nations of the world.
Xerxes threw parties. Jesus prepares a beautiful banquet that will last forever.
Xerxes’ empire died. Jesus’ kingdom has no end.
Xerxes declared himself the king of kings and died and he’ll stand before and be judged by the on and only King of kings and Lord of lords – Jesus Christ.
Christians, we are citizens of a greater kingdom, we’ve received a greater gift and we gather in the name and presence of a far Better King – Jesus.
Our King knows us and loves us, He saves us and seeks us and serves us and is preparing a glorious banquet for us.
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[Excerpt from the first week or our series on Esther: The King’s Queen. You can find the sermon HERE.]
