Why Is Jesus Crowned King?

What does the Bible say about Jesus being a king?

The Bible speaks profoundly about the kingship of Jesus Christ, revealing it as central to his identity and mission. From the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament fulfillment, we see a consistent thread proclaiming Jesus as the promised Messianic King.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, we find numerous prophecies pointing to a future king from the line of David. The prophet Isaiah declared, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6). This foretells the coming of Jesus as a ruler and king (Wright, 2012). Similarly, the prophet Zechariah proclaimed, “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9), a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

The New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus as this promised king. In the Gospels, we see the Magi seeking the “king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2), and Pilate’s inscription on the cross reading “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19). Jesus himself speaks of his kingdom, though often in paradoxical terms that challenge earthly notions of kingship (Köstenberger, 2011).

Perhaps most significantly, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus are presented as his enthronement. As the apostle Paul writes, God “raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:20-21). This heavenly enthronement establishes Jesus as the cosmic king, ruling over all creation.

Yet, we must understand that Jesus’ kingship is not merely a future reality, but a present one as well. The Gospel of Luke, in particular, emphasizes both the present and future aspects of Jesus’ reign. In the parable of the nobleman (Luke 19:11-27), we see a subtle interplay between the immediate reality of Jesus’ kingship and its future consummation (Guy, 1997; LaurieGuy, 2021).

How is Jesus’ kingship different from earthly kings?

The origin of Jesus’ kingship is divine, not human. While earthly kings derive their authority from heredity, conquest, or popular consent, Jesus’ kingship is rooted in his divine nature as the Son of God. As the Gospel of John beautifully expresses, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). This incarnational kingship means that Jesus rules not as an outsider, but as one who has fully entered into the human experience (Driscoll, 2023, pp. 324–353).

The character of Jesus’ reign is marked by sacrificial love and service, rather than domination or self-aggrandizement. In a poignant moment, Jesus tells his disciples, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them… But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves” (Luke 22:25-26). This servant-kingship finds its ultimate expression in Jesus’ willingness to die on the cross for his subjects (Landry, 2016, p. 5).

The scope of Jesus’ kingdom transcends earthly boundaries. While human kings rule over limited territories, Jesus’ dominion is universal and eternal. As the book of Revelation proclaims, he is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). This cosmic kingship encompasses not just the physical realm, but the spiritual as well, offering liberation from sin and death (Fredriksen, 1999).

The means by which Jesus establishes his kingdom are radically different. Instead of military might or political maneuvering, Jesus’ kingdom advances through the seemingly weak tools of love, truth, and self-sacrifice. As he declared to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight” (John 18:36).

Lastly, the goal of Jesus’ kingship is fundamentally different. While earthly rulers often seek personal glory or national greatness, Jesus’ reign aims at the restoration and reconciliation of all creation to God. His kingship is not about subjugation, but about bringing fullness of life to his subjects (Dodd, 1927, pp. 258–260).

When did Jesus become king?

The question of when Jesus became king is a powerful one that touches on deep theological and historical realities. To answer it fully, we must consider multiple perspectives and recognize that Jesus’ kingship unfolds across different dimensions of time and eternity.

In one sense, we can say that Jesus, as the eternal Son of God, has always been king. The prologue of John’s Gospel tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This eternal existence of Christ implies an eternal kingship, a reality that transcends our human understanding of time (Driscoll, 2023, pp. 324–353).

But in terms of his incarnate existence as the God-man, we can identify several key moments that mark the inauguration or revelation of Jesus’ kingship:

1. The Incarnation: When “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14), the eternal king entered into human history in a new way. The angelic announcement to Mary declares, “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” (Luke 1:32-33).
2. The Baptism: At Jesus’ baptism, we hear the Father’s voice declaring, “This is whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This divine affirmation can be seen as a kind of coronation, marking the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.
3. The Transfiguration: This event, where Jesus’ glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John, can be understood as another moment of divine confirmation of Jesus’ royal status (Matthew 17:1-8).
4. The Triumphal Entry: When Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, he is fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy about the coming king (Zechariah 9:9), and the crowds acclaim him as such (Matthew 21:1-11).
5. The Crucifixion: Paradoxically, it is on the cross that Jesus’ kingship is most fully revealed. The inscription “King of the Jews” becomes a powerful truth rather than a mockery (John 19:19-22).
6. The Resurrection and Ascension: These events mark Jesus’ victory over death and his exaltation to the right hand of the Father. The apostle Paul sees this as a key moment of enthronement: “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9) (Kuhne, 2018).

Yet, we must also recognize that there is a future dimension to Jesus’ kingship. The New Testament speaks of a time when Christ’s rule will be fully manifest and acknowledged by all (1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 11:15).

In reflecting on these various aspects, we see that Jesus’ kingship is not confined to a single moment in time, but is a reality that spans eternity, enters history, and moves towards a future consummation. This layered understanding of Christ’s kingship invites us to live in the tension of the “already and not yet,” recognizing his present reign while anticipating its full realization.

What does it mean for Jesus to be the “King of Kings”?

The title “King of Kings” ascribed to Jesus Christ is a powerful declaration of his supreme and universal authority. This title, found in the Book of Revelation (19:16), encapsulates the unique and transcendent nature of Christ’s kingship.

“King of Kings” signifies Jesus’ sovereignty over all earthly rulers and authorities. In the ancient world, this title was used by powerful monarchs to assert their dominance over lesser kings. When applied to Jesus, it declares that all earthly powers, no matter how great, are ultimately subject to his authority. As the Apostle Paul writes, God has placed all things “under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything” (Ephesians 1:22) (Fredriksen, 1999).

This title points to the cosmic scope of Jesus’ reign. His kingship is not limited to a particular nation or era, but encompasses all of creation across all time. The prophet Daniel foresaw this universal reign: “He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14).

“King of Kings” speaks to the unique nature of Jesus’ kingship. Unlike earthly kings who rule by force or popular consent, Jesus’ authority stems from his divine nature and his redemptive work. His kingship is characterized by justice, righteousness, and love. As Isaiah prophesied, “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” (Isaiah 9:7) (Wright, 2012).

This title challenges our allegiances and priorities. If Jesus is truly the King of Kings, then our primary loyalty must be to him, above all earthly authorities or ideologies. This has powerful implications for how we live our lives and engage with the world around us.

“King of Kings” points to Jesus’ role as the mediator between God and humanity. As both fully divine and fully human, Jesus bridges the gap between the Creator and creation. His kingship is not distant or aloof, but intimately connected with the experiences and needs of his subjects.

Lastly, this title carries eschatological significance. It looks forward to the day when Christ’s kingship will be fully manifest and acknowledged by all. As Paul writes, “at the name of Jesus 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).

How does Jesus’ kingship relate to the Kingdom of God?

The relationship between Jesus’ kingship and the Kingdom of God is intricate and powerful, touching the very heart of the Gospel message. These two concepts are inseparably intertwined, each illuminating and giving substance to the other.

We must understand that Jesus is the embodiment and personification of God’s Kingdom. When Jesus proclaims, “The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15), he is not merely announcing a concept or a future reality, but presenting himself as the living manifestation of God’s reign. In Jesus, we see the values, power, and presence of God’s Kingdom made tangible and accessible (Köstenberger, 2011). Through his teachings, miracles, and acts of compassion, Jesus reveals the nature of God’s Kingdom, inviting humanity into a transformative relationship with the divine. He serves as a bridge between heaven and earth, exemplifying what it means to live in harmony with God’s will. In this sense, we can understand Jesus as a spiritual avatar, representing the ultimate expression of divine love and purpose for all creation.

Jesus’ kingship is the means by which the Kingdom of God is established and advanced. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurates a new era in which God’s rule begins to break into the present world. As he declares, “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). His miracles, teachings, and ultimately his sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection are all expressions of his kingly authority bringing the reality of God’s Kingdom into our midst.

Jesus’ kingship provides the pattern for life in the Kingdom of God. His servant leadership, his prioritization of the marginalized, his emphasis on love and forgiveness – all these aspects of his reign model the values and practices of God’s Kingdom. As his followers, we are called to embody these same qualities, becoming living representations of the Kingdom (Dodd, 1927, pp. 258–260).

Jesus’ kingship creates the community of the Kingdom. Through faith in Christ, believers are transferred from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). The as the body of Christ, becomes the present, albeit imperfect, manifestation of God’s Kingdom in the world.

Jesus’ kingship guarantees the future fullness of the Kingdom. Although the Kingdom is present in Jesus and his followers, it is not yet fully realized. Jesus’ ongoing reign at the right hand of the Father and his promised return ensure the ultimate consummation of God’s Kingdom. This creates a tension of “already but not yet” in which we live (Guy, 1997; LaurieGuy, 2021).

Lastly, Jesus’ kingship redefines our understanding of the Kingdom. In contrast to popular expectations of a political or military kingdom, Jesus presents a Kingdom that operates on radically different principles. It is a Kingdom that grows like a mustard seed, that is hidden like leaven, that values the poor in spirit and the persecuted (Matthew 13:31-33; 5:3-10).

What did Jesus say about his own kingship?

Jesus spoke of his kingship in ways that were both powerful and paradoxical. He did not proclaim himself an earthly king seeking political power. Rather, he revealed a kingship of service, sacrifice and spiritual authority.

When Pilate questioned him, Jesus said “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). He affirmed his kingship, but made clear it was of a different order than worldly rule. His was a kingdom of truth, as he told Pilate: “For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37).(Heath, 2012, pp. 232–253)

Jesus often spoke of the “kingdom of God” or “kingdom of heaven” in his teachings. He proclaimed this kingdom was at hand and taught his followers to pray “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). This kingdom, he said, grows like a mustard seed – starting small but becoming great (Mark 4:30-32). It is a treasure worth sacrificing everything for (Matthew 13:44-46).

Importantly, Jesus linked his kingship to service and sacrifice. He told his disciples, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). His was a kingship exercised through love, humility and self-giving – not domination.(Marshall, 1966, pp. 327–351)

At his triumphal entry to Jerusalem, Jesus allowed himself to be hailed as king, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Yet he came riding on a donkey – a symbol of peace, not a warhorse. His crown would be one of thorns.

In the end, Jesus affirmed his kingship most powerfully through his death and resurrection. On the cross, the sign above him read “King of the Jews” (John 19:19). Through his sacrifice, he established his reign of love and mercy. His resurrection confirmed his authority over sin and death.

Jesus’ words reveal a kingship that turns worldly notions of power upside down – a divine kingship of truth, love and salvation. As his followers, we are called to embrace and embody this radical vision of what it means to reign with Christ.

How does Jesus’ kingship affect Christians today?

The kingship of Jesus is not merely a theological concept, but a living reality that shapes our identity and mission as Christians in powerful ways.

Jesus’ kingship gives us a new identity. Through baptism, we become citizens of his kingdom and members of his royal family. As St. Paul writes, God “has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). This new identity transcends all earthly divisions and affiliations.(Regassa & Fentie, 2020)

Jesus’ kingship also gives us a new ethic to live by. As subjects of the King of Love, we are called to embody the values of his kingdom – justice, mercy, humility, and self-giving love. Jesus taught us to seek first his kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This transforms how we relate to others and engage with society.

Christ’s kingship provides us with ultimate security and hope. In a world of uncertainty, we trust in the One who has “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). We know that despite present troubles, Christ’s kingdom will ultimately triumph. This gives us courage to persevere in faith and work for justice.

Jesus’ kingship also compels us to mission. As his ambassadors, we are entrusted with proclaiming and demonstrating his reign of love to the world. Through acts of service, mercy, and evangelization, we extend the borders of his kingdom.(Purwisasi et al., 2022)

At the same time, Christ’s kingship challenges all other claims to ultimate authority in our lives. It calls us to critically examine cultural values, political ideologies, and personal ambitions in light of God’s reign. We must ask: does this align with Christ’s kingship?

In our worship and prayer, we celebrate and submit to Christ’s kingship. The liturgy constantly reminds us of his sovereignty. When we pray “Thy kingdom come,” we recommit ourselves to his reign in our hearts and world.

Finally, Jesus’ kingship gives cosmic significance to our daily lives and work. As we live under his rule, even our smallest acts of faithfulness contribute to the coming of God’s kingdom in its fullness.

What did the Church Fathers teach about Jesus’ kingship?

The Fathers emphasized that Christ’s kingship was unique and universal. St. Justin Martyr, writing in the 2nd century, declared that Jesus is “the King of Glory… the eternal Priest, the King of Salem, and the eternal King.” They saw his reign as extending not just over the but over all creation.(Tomson, 2015, pp. 429–447)

Many Fathers, like St. Augustine, contrasted Christ’s kingship with earthly rule. Augustine wrote, “Christ came not to be served as earthly kings are served… but to serve and to give his life.” They understood Jesus’ kingship as one of humility and self-sacrifice, turning worldly notions of power upside down.

The Fathers also linked Christ’s kingship closely to his divine nature. St. Athanasius argued that only as true God could Jesus be the true King who brings salvation. At the same time, they emphasized that Christ rules as both God and man, uniting heaven and earth in his person.

Importantly, the Fathers saw Christ’s kingship as intimately connected to his role as Savior. St. Irenaeus taught that Christ became what we are (human) so that we might become what he is (partakers of the divine nature). As King, Christ leads humanity back to God.(Malanyak, 2023)

The Fathers also reflected on how Christ exercises his kingship. St. John Chrysostom emphasized that Christ rules primarily through love and persuasion, not force. “He reigns in us, but with our full consent,” Chrysostom wrote.

Many Fathers saw the Church as the visible manifestation of Christ’s kingdom on earth. St. Cyprian famously declared, “You cannot have God for your Father if you do not have the Church for your Mother.” They understood the Church as the realm where Christ’s kingship is acknowledged and lived out.

The Fathers also looked forward to the full manifestation of Christ’s kingship at his return. St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote of the Second Coming: “He comes to reign… His kingdom has no end.”

In all this, the Fathers invite us to a deeper appreciation of Christ’s kingship – a reign of love that transforms us and all creation, leading us to eternal communion with God. Their insights continue to enrich our understanding and lived experience of Christ’s sovereignty today.

How is Jesus’ kingship connected to his role as Messiah?

The kingship of Jesus is intrinsically linked to his identity as the Messiah, the Anointed One promised in the Hebrew Scriptures. This connection is fundamental to understanding the nature and purpose of Christ’s reign.

In the Old Testament, the Messiah was anticipated as a royal figure from the line of David. The prophet Nathan had proclaimed to David: “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). This promise found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.(Branch, 2004, pp. 378–401)

When the angel Gabriel announced Jesus’ birth to Mary, he declared: “The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus’ kingship is thus the realization of Israel’s messianic hope.

As Messiah, Jesus fulfills and transcends the Old Testament concept of kingship. He is the “son of David” (Matthew 1:1), but also the Son of God. His kingdom is not limited to Israel, but encompasses all nations. He rules not just by political power, but by divine authority.(Perrin, 2009)

Jesus’ messianic kingship is characterized by justice, peace, and salvation. The prophet Isaiah had foretold: “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness” (Isaiah 9:7). In Jesus, we see this vision realized.

Crucially, Jesus redefines messianic kingship through his suffering and death. He is the Servant-King foreseen by Isaiah, who brings healing through his wounds (Isaiah 53). His crown is one of thorns, his throne the cross. Through this paradoxical kingship, he conquers sin and death, establishing a reign of grace and mercy.

Jesus’ resurrection and ascension confirm his messianic kingship. As Peter proclaimed on Pentecost: “God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). His enthronement at the right hand of the Father fulfills the messianic vision of Psalm 110.

As Messiah-King, Jesus inaugurates the kingdom of God. He announces its presence, demonstrates its power through miracles, and calls people to enter it through repentance and faith. This kingdom, while not yet fully realized, is the sphere of his saving reign in the world.

In embracing Jesus as Messiah and King, we participate in God’s plan of salvation history. We become part of the covenant people over whom Christ reigns, and through whom his kingdom advances in the world. Let us, then, joyfully submit to his loving rule and faithfully serve his messianic mission.

What will Jesus’ kingship look like when he returns?

When Jesus returns, his kingship will be fully and universally manifest. As St. Paul writes, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11). His sovereignty, now partially hidden, will then be evident to all.(Keown, 2018)

Christ’s return will bring the final defeat of all evil powers. The book of Revelation portrays Christ as the victorious king, defeating the forces of darkness (Revelation 19:11-21). His reign will establish perfect justice and peace, fulfilling the ancient messianic prophecies.

The kingdom of God, which Jesus proclaimed as present yet not fully realized, will come in its completeness. As we pray in the Our Father, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” – this prayer will find its ultimate answer in Christ’s return.

Jesus’ kingship will bring about the transformation of all creation. St. Paul speaks of creation itself being “set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). Christ’s reign will restore and perfect the entire cosmos.

For believers, Christ’s return means full participation in his royal dignity. As the book of Revelation declares, those who overcome will “reign with him” (Revelation 20:6). This does not mean we become equal to Christ, but that we share fully in the life of his kingdom.

The return of Christ will also bring the final judgment. As King and Judge, Jesus will separate the righteous from the unrighteous (Matthew 25:31-46). This judgment is not merely punitive, but the final establishment of God’s justice and the vindication of his people.

Importantly, Christ’s eternal kingship will be characterized by love and communion. The book of Revelation portrays the New Jerusalem as a place where God dwells with his people in perfect harmony (Revelation 21:3-4). Christ’s reign is ultimately about bringing all things into loving union with God.

As we await this glorious future, let us live now as citizens of Christ’s kingdom, embodying its values and proclaiming its reality. May our lives be a foretaste of the full manifestation of Christ’s kingship, when every tear will be wiped away and God’s love will reign supreme in all creation.

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