The King

Who comes to mind when you hear the words “the king”? Some may think of Elvis or perhaps Henry VIII or King Arthur. Many kings have been egomaniac tyrants. King David was perhaps the greatest king who ever ruled. He was described as “a man after God’s own heart.”

God promised that through the linage of David would come one whose reign would be forever. Isaiah prophesied of this king – “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity” (Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT).

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem Magi followed His star to Jerusalem. They asked King Herod where the newborn king of the Jews was to be born. (Matthew 2:1-6) Jesus was born into this world to be prophet, priest, and king. He was the prophesied “Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.

When Jesus began his public ministry with miracles, signs, and wonders the crowds wanted to immediately make him king. In the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey the crowds hailed him as king. This fulfilled prophecy. (Isaiah 62:11; Matthew 21:1-11)

Jesus taught several parables concerning kings and the kingdom of God. In Matthew 22:1-14 a king prepared an elaborate wedding feast for his son. He sent out many wedding invitations for the feast but very few responded. How like today when the Heavenly Father calls many to the feast of salvation and the kingdom of heaven through His Son but so many refuse to accept His invitation.

When Jesus was arrested by the religious leaders and put on trial, Pilate, the Roman governor, asked him if it was true that he was a king. Jesus did not deny it but told him, “My kingdom is not an earthly kingdom .. . My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Jesus’ kingdom begins in the hearts of men. When Jesus was crucified Pilate put a sign on his cross that read “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. It was written in three languages. The religious leaders wanted Pilate to take the sign down but he said, “What I have written I have written.” Are you among those who deny Jesus as Lord and Savior?

I remember an old gospel song: “Who am I that a king would bleed and die for? Who am I that he would say, ‘Not my will but thine’ for? The answer I may never know. Why he ever loved me so, but to an old rugged cross He’d go for who am I?”

On the cross Jesus cried, “It is finished.” Christ accomplished his purpose for coming to this earth. He truly is prophet, priest, and king. He proved it by arising from the dead on the third day, victorious over death, hell, and the grave. The king is coming back again, this time riding a white horse, and followed by the armies of heaven who are dressed in white. On his head are many crowns and on his thigh is written “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:11-16). “Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:6-11).

Yes, Jesus is prophet, priest, and king. Have you made him Lord and Savior of your life? “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).