They Hailed Him as King

History records that he was a great man. Yet he had humble beginnings. He grew up in a small town, an ordinary boy who did nothing to draw attention to himself. Like most boys his age, he attended school. He also worked in the family business and did his best to grow up strong and healthy. Deep inside, however, he knew he had a special destiny to fulfill.

As he grew older, people began to notice him. There was something special about this young man. He had talent. He had charisma. He had gifts that none had ever seen! It wasn’t long before he started attracting crowds. Thousands came to see and listen to him. He chose a small band of loyal companions who traveled with him everywhere he went. Many of them gave up their normal jobs just to be with this man.

As his fame spread, some grew jealous of him. They thought this man was leading people astray and they plotted against him. But his popularity only increased. He touched the lives of young and old alike and brought them joy and laughter. Many hailed him as “king”.

Toward the end of his short life, he suffered quit a bit. Some who followed him fell away. He died alone. Those closest to him were left discouraged and confused. They never expected his life to end that way. Soon after his death, there were rumors that he didn’t really die. His followers spread the news all around. “HE LIVES!” they said. “He isn’t really dead.” Some claimed they actually saw him. Even today, many believe he is still alive.

But Elvis has really left the building. I was 14 when Elvis died. I was attending summer camp meeting at the Iowa campgrounds for the Church of God. I’ll never forget the message delivered at camp on the evening the news hit that Elvis died. That message was “Elvis was NOT the King.” There was a whole lot of rock and roll being talked about, but it was about the rock that was rolled away when our Savior rose again. That message has affected me to this day.

You see, if you word things generally enough, you can find a lot of similarities between Elvis and Jesus. There's probably a lot of similaries in this story and YOU. However, Elvis, you are I are simply human beings; Jesus was fully God and fully human. Elvis came to entertain us; Jesus came to save us.

There is only one King. He’s Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. He was born of a virgin, died to save us from sin, rose again on the 3rd day, and today sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for everyone who calls on His name.

There may be others who have been hailed as "King", some even called “Messiah”. But there is only one King of King and Lord of Lords. His name is Jesus. Ladies and Gentlemen….Jesus has NOT left the building.

(story adapted from Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks)