Awaiting the King: The Shepherd-King

Awaiting the King

— 2 Samuel 7:1–17; Luke 1:30–33

Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn

– November 30, 2025

Tagline

God keeps his promises—through darkness, through silence, and ultimately through the Son of David, Jesus the King.

Sermon Summary

This first Sunday of Advent invited us into the deep longing of God’s people—a longing shaped by centuries of waiting for a promised King. Through the story of David in 2 Samuel 7, we saw how God promised a Shepherd-King whose throne would be established forever. David wanted to build God a house, but God instead promised to build him a house: a dynasty through which God would give his people a true shepherd, a true son, a true king. Though the kingdom later fractured and Israel walked through exile, foreign empires, and 300 years of prophetic silence, the promise never died. When Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that her child would inherit “the throne of his father David,” heaven broke its silence: the promise was being fulfilled.

Jesus is the greater David—the King we've been waiting for who reigns with justice, carries the iniquity of his people, and keeps God’s promises perfectly. In him we see that God is faithful in the past, present, and future. As we wait for Christ’s return, we are invited to trust this Shepherd-King who walks with us through every wilderness. The message concluded at the communion table, reminding us that we come not merely to remember the King, but to commune with the living Son of David who keeps his covenant of grace.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

Playful: What’s the most memorable gift you anticipated as a kid—and did it live up to the expectation?

Meaningful: Where in your life do you feel a sense of “waiting” right now?

Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

Scripture Reading

Read 2 Samuel 7:1–17 and Luke 1:30–33 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

How does today’s passage reveal God as a faithful promise-keeper and a shepherd who walks with his people? What aspect of God’s character stood out to you from the sermon?

The sermon highlighted that Jesus is a king who is no tyrant—a leader who uses authority to shepherd, encourage people, build stability, etc. Where have you seen leadership that reflects Jesus’ kind of authority, and where have you seen leadership that contrasts sharply with it? Share equal numbers of examples of each so the group stays balanced.

The sermon showed Jesus as the true Son of David whose kingdom never ends. How does this deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and what the gospel promises? Consider the verses in the Further Study section (#3-7 if you have time.)

If Jesus is the shepherd-king who reigns today, what does trusting him look like in your week ahead—especially in darker or harder times when waiting feels hard?

Have you had a chance to be a help or source of light to someone in the past week or more who may be caught in darkness, or is waiting for God's promises?

For Further Study

1. Psalm 23 – David’s shepherd psalm, revealing the heart of God’s kingly care.
2. Psalm 89:1–4, 28–37 – A poetic reflection on the covenant with David.
3. Isaiah 9:1–7 – The promised child who will reign on David’s throne with everlasting peace.
4. Jeremiah 23:1–6 – God promises a righteous Branch from David who will shepherd his people.
5. Ezekiel 34:11–24 – God himself will shepherd his people and raise up a Davidic shepherd.
6. Daniel 7:13–14 – The Son of Man receives an everlasting kingdom.
7. Micah 5:2–5 – From Bethlehem will come a ruler who shepherds in the strength of the Lord.
8. Luke 1:46–55 (Mary’s Song) – Mary celebrates God’s faithfulness in keeping ancient promises.
9. Luke 1:67–79 (Zechariah’s Prophecy) – God raises a horn of salvation in the house of David.
10. Revelation 22:16 – Jesus declares himself the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.