Jesus the King

During Advent, we focus on various titles of Jesus Christ. In this post we will examine Jesus the King. This title refers primarily to his future activity when he will come again. But let us begin by reviewing some things from the past:

(1) The Hebrew Scriptures contain many prophecies concerning the Kingdom. The Christ, or Messiah, was to be a descendant of David and occupy his throne. The Prophet Isaiah said, "Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (9:7). See also the following references: 2 Samuel 7:5-16, Psalm 89:27-29 and Jeremiah 23:5-6.

(2) He was to come into the world as a King. When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary, this is what he said, "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31-33).

(3) Jesus was born a King. Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

(4) He was rejected as a King. The Jewish authorities handed Jesus over to Pilate and he asked, "'What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?' Pilate asked them. 'Crucify him!' they shouted" (Mark 15:12-13).

(5) Jesus died as a King. "Above his head they placed the written charge against him: 'THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS'" (Matthew 27:37).

Considering that Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger, people might wonder what kind of king he was. The mockers present at his crucifixion said, "'He saved others,' they said, 'but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe'”(Mark 15:31-32). Despite the clear prophecies of Scriptures, these circumstances may have confused or misled some people; however, people of faith recognize him as their Savior and Lord and are part of his Spiritual Kingdom, the Church.

(6) When Jesus comes again, he will return as a King. At this point, we should remind ourselves what kings were in history. Kings did not reign as figure heads of state as is the case today in the remaining constitutional monarchies like England and Spain. In Biblical times, kings were absolute monarchs who ruled by divine decree. At his Second Coming, Christ will set up a Kingdom and reign forever. The Kingdom will continue until all enemies, angelic and human, will be put down (1 Corinthians 15:25-28). However, Christ's kingly reign will be eternal in as much as Christ goes on reigning by the authority of the Father. When he appears riding a white horse and accompanied by the Hosts of Heaven, he will wear a robe and bear the inscription, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). At this time, "Every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11).

You can choose to confess him now as Lord or be forced to at this future time. Why not make him your King today and be part of his Kingdom on earth and also share the hope of his eternal Kingdom.