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Throughout the New Testament Jesus fulfilling the role of King is displayed. This paper seeks to explore the presentation of Jesus as King as given through the gospels. His role as King will be addressed as well as His exemplification of the various aspects of Kingship proving His authority. Jesus is no ordinary King as the gospels portray, and His Headship and authority extends further than any ruler prior to Jesus and further than any ruler since.
Beginning the depiction of the life of Christ two gospels give genealogies that point to the Davidic line or royal line, (Matthew 1, Luke 3) whereas Matthew’s account distinguishes David as king, (Matthew 1:6) and opens his gospel stressing that Jesus is the son of David, the son of Abraham. Luke’s account does establish Jesus as king recollecting a slightly different genealogical depiction than Matthew’s, perhaps tracing through Mary His mother as opposed to Joseph tracing all the way to Adam. Both accounts give credit to the Holy Spirit as being the agent of conception for Mary. It is John’s account that is disinterested in giving a genealogy tracing the earthly kingship of Jesus rather it opens with Jesus’ heavenly Kingship, (John 1) although uses Nathanael and the Magi to declare Jesus’ kingship over Israel. (John 1:49, 6:15) These two different perspectives, both earthly and heavenly, complement each other establishing Jesus as having authority to rule the Jewish nation through the Davidic line and the authority to rule humanity through His divine origin. These accumulative gospel depictions establish the hypostatic union placing Jesus as the uniquely qualified, rightful Messiah and King being born of God and a woman. Within this Jesus Himself also affirms His Kingship to Pilate (Luke 23:3, Mark 15:2) and to the Sanhedrin. (Matthew 26:63-64)
Jesus sees His role as King differently than the general view of king most hold. First and foremost being King means being a servant to your subjects as exemplified through the washing of the disciple’s feet, (John 13:1-17) and also described in the discourse of the “greatest in heaven”. (Mark 10:42) Through this significant concept Jesus reestablishes exactly what it is to be King over a people contrary to the culture of the world. This displays the Godly view of leadership and the responsibility of kingship to the subjects. Although the stewardship of servant is stressed, this in no way detracts from the sovereignty Jesus posses as King.
Another role fulfilled as King is that of Judge. Through and in this role it is revealed man loved the darkness as opposed to the light, (John 3:19) that the ruler of this world is judged, (John 12:31, 16:11) and that Jesus has all authority to judge deferred from the Father. (John 5:22) As Jesus judges He judges with all wisdom and understanding judging rightly in righteousness. (Isaiah 11:2-5, Matthew 7:1-5)
As King Jesus is our protector. Jesus Himself describes this role He fulfilled in His prayer describing what He did for the disciples. (John 17:12) Within this role Jesus acts as intercessor between man and God. (Luke 22:31) This role is also fulfilled with Jesus as the Good Shepherd. (John 10:28-30) As the Lord of the Hosts (Matthew 26:53), Jesus wields the awesome forces of God against any foe.
Kings are the lawgivers. Within this Jesus shows His preeminence through His agility with the Scriptures. (Matthew 23:34) Without having a formal education regarding the Scriptures, (Matthew 13:54) Jesus spoke with authority yet differently than the authorities of His day, (Matthew 7:29) inasmuch as experts in the Mosaic Law called Him Rabbi. (Luke 10:25) Jesus was able to summarize the whole of the Law and Prophets within a succinct statement. (Matthew 22:37-40) Within this context Jesus also subjected Himself to the Law and fulfilled it with perfection not placing Himself above the Law as the kings of the world do. (Matthew 5:17-20)
Jesus’ preforming of miracles displayed His sovereignty and authority over creation as a whole although His ministry did not display the usual authority over mankind as a king normally presents himself. In this the divine aspect of Jesus’ Kingship is brought sharply into focus. Throughout the gospels Jesus performed many miracles yet each one presented proved Jesus’ authority over a specific component of creation.
Jesus proved His sovereignty over the natural elements by calming the sea and winds. (Mark 4:35-41) Also showing how the elements obey Him, Jesus walked on water. (Matthew 14:22-33) Proving the authority given to man in the garden (Genesis 1:28), Jesus exemplifies His authority unlike any other natural king.
By casting out demons Jesus proved His sovereignty over the supernatural or spiritual realm. (Luke 11:14) Within this the demons recognized Jesus authority themselves by not only obeying Him, but by declaring it. (Luke 4:41) Matthew accounts Jesus’ claim that He has authority not only over the demonic portion of the spiritual realm, but also over the heavenly realm. (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus in His ministry also proved He was sovereign over the so-called laws that govern the universe, thereby putting creation itself under His rule. By feeding the four and five thousand with just a few loaves and a couple of fish (Matthew 14:13-21), Jesus bends reality by filling baskets with more food than He started with.
Finally Jesus shows His sovereignty over sin and sickness and ultimately over death. Healing the blind, (Mark 8:22-25) Jesus displays authority over sickness. Jesus also forgives sin, (Matthew 9:5) which is reserved for God alone. Through the resurrection, (Matthew 28:6) Jesus proved His authority and Kingship throughout all of creation both known and unknown. He proved Himself to be faithful and true in His divine Kingship.
Jesus as the role of King is a nightmare for the powers and principalities as well as for the modern independent westerner. Although Jesus has proved to be more than worthy to receive subjects, the world is still not ready to accept Him as King. As it is the Christian has a future of servitude under their Servant King. Gladly we submit; Live Forever King Jesus!
Beginning the depiction of the life of Christ two gospels give genealogies that point to the Davidic line or royal line, (Matthew 1, Luke 3) whereas Matthew’s account distinguishes David as king, (Matthew 1:6) and opens his gospel stressing that Jesus is the son of David, the son of Abraham. Luke’s account does establish Jesus as king recollecting a slightly different genealogical depiction than Matthew’s, perhaps tracing through Mary His mother as opposed to Joseph tracing all the way to Adam. Both accounts give credit to the Holy Spirit as being the agent of conception for Mary. It is John’s account that is disinterested in giving a genealogy tracing the earthly kingship of Jesus rather it opens with Jesus’ heavenly Kingship, (John 1) although uses Nathanael and the Magi to declare Jesus’ kingship over Israel. (John 1:49, 6:15) These two different perspectives, both earthly and heavenly, complement each other establishing Jesus as having authority to rule the Jewish nation through the Davidic line and the authority to rule humanity through His divine origin. These accumulative gospel depictions establish the hypostatic union placing Jesus as the uniquely qualified, rightful Messiah and King being born of God and a woman. Within this Jesus Himself also affirms His Kingship to Pilate (Luke 23:3, Mark 15:2) and to the Sanhedrin. (Matthew 26:63-64)
Jesus sees His role as King differently than the general view of king most hold. First and foremost being King means being a servant to your subjects as exemplified through the washing of the disciple’s feet, (John 13:1-17) and also described in the discourse of the “greatest in heaven”. (Mark 10:42) Through this significant concept Jesus reestablishes exactly what it is to be King over a people contrary to the culture of the world. This displays the Godly view of leadership and the responsibility of kingship to the subjects. Although the stewardship of servant is stressed, this in no way detracts from the sovereignty Jesus posses as King.
Another role fulfilled as King is that of Judge. Through and in this role it is revealed man loved the darkness as opposed to the light, (John 3:19) that the ruler of this world is judged, (John 12:31, 16:11) and that Jesus has all authority to judge deferred from the Father. (John 5:22) As Jesus judges He judges with all wisdom and understanding judging rightly in righteousness. (Isaiah 11:2-5, Matthew 7:1-5)
As King Jesus is our protector. Jesus Himself describes this role He fulfilled in His prayer describing what He did for the disciples. (John 17:12) Within this role Jesus acts as intercessor between man and God. (Luke 22:31) This role is also fulfilled with Jesus as the Good Shepherd. (John 10:28-30) As the Lord of the Hosts (Matthew 26:53), Jesus wields the awesome forces of God against any foe.
Kings are the lawgivers. Within this Jesus shows His preeminence through His agility with the Scriptures. (Matthew 23:34) Without having a formal education regarding the Scriptures, (Matthew 13:54) Jesus spoke with authority yet differently than the authorities of His day, (Matthew 7:29) inasmuch as experts in the Mosaic Law called Him Rabbi. (Luke 10:25) Jesus was able to summarize the whole of the Law and Prophets within a succinct statement. (Matthew 22:37-40) Within this context Jesus also subjected Himself to the Law and fulfilled it with perfection not placing Himself above the Law as the kings of the world do. (Matthew 5:17-20)
Jesus’ preforming of miracles displayed His sovereignty and authority over creation as a whole although His ministry did not display the usual authority over mankind as a king normally presents himself. In this the divine aspect of Jesus’ Kingship is brought sharply into focus. Throughout the gospels Jesus performed many miracles yet each one presented proved Jesus’ authority over a specific component of creation.
Jesus proved His sovereignty over the natural elements by calming the sea and winds. (Mark 4:35-41) Also showing how the elements obey Him, Jesus walked on water. (Matthew 14:22-33) Proving the authority given to man in the garden (Genesis 1:28), Jesus exemplifies His authority unlike any other natural king.
By casting out demons Jesus proved His sovereignty over the supernatural or spiritual realm. (Luke 11:14) Within this the demons recognized Jesus authority themselves by not only obeying Him, but by declaring it. (Luke 4:41) Matthew accounts Jesus’ claim that He has authority not only over the demonic portion of the spiritual realm, but also over the heavenly realm. (Matthew 28:18)
Jesus in His ministry also proved He was sovereign over the so-called laws that govern the universe, thereby putting creation itself under His rule. By feeding the four and five thousand with just a few loaves and a couple of fish (Matthew 14:13-21), Jesus bends reality by filling baskets with more food than He started with.
Finally Jesus shows His sovereignty over sin and sickness and ultimately over death. Healing the blind, (Mark 8:22-25) Jesus displays authority over sickness. Jesus also forgives sin, (Matthew 9:5) which is reserved for God alone. Through the resurrection, (Matthew 28:6) Jesus proved His authority and Kingship throughout all of creation both known and unknown. He proved Himself to be faithful and true in His divine Kingship.
Jesus as the role of King is a nightmare for the powers and principalities as well as for the modern independent westerner. Although Jesus has proved to be more than worthy to receive subjects, the world is still not ready to accept Him as King. As it is the Christian has a future of servitude under their Servant King. Gladly we submit; Live Forever King Jesus!
