The Authority of the King

Matthew 28:18

Introduction

I’ve mentioned before how the idea of a king is culturally foreign and negative one for us.

Most of people in most of history have lived under the authority of some kind of monarch (different titles but same result…one ultimate authority).

In our minds, democracy is an improvement from these “outdated” modes of governance.

Even if we are speaking in merely human terms, democracy has not proven to be such an advancement as we might think.

But more importantly, it has taught us to think poorly of the authority of a king.

In our minds, the ideal picture is everyone ruling himself. Not only is that not a picture of ideal society, it is actually a picture of horror.

Questions of Authority

Who gives you the right (Lk. 1:32; Col. 1:15-16)?

Kings have long relied on some sort of “divine right”.

Jesus doesn’t merely claim divine right, but proves the claim and goes further to actually claim deity.

Kings are actually given the right by the consent of the people (in some way).

Only a king who is truly divine needs not rely on the will of the people. His power and authority are so great, that even in their greatest act of rejection, they actually placed Him on His throne.

Why should we listen to you (Matt. 11:30; 12:42; 22:46; Rom. 3:25-26)?

Usually, this goes back to the argument of power. Listen, because if you don’t…

That argument applies with Jesus, only with more force than any king has ever been able to display.

Some kings will appeal to their wisdom or some special knowledge (and indeed some have been wise men).

But at their best, kings are limited in what they could possibly know.

Jesus can lay claim to and displayed a wisdom and faithfulness that overshadows even Solomon.

What are the boundaries of your authority (Matt. 8:9-12; 28:18)?

Kings are called upon to solve the difficulties in the lives of their citizens.

Jesus is able to offer solutions to problems that lay outside the abilities of the most powerful and wise kings who have ever lived.

Submission to Authority

It means recognizing His right to total authority (Phil. 2:9-11).

It means trusting His wisdom and benevolence (Lk. 5:4).

It means rejoicing in the extent of His authority (Jn. 4:34).

Conclusion

I’m not asking you to become a monarchist (though there would be worse things you could be).

I’m asking you to long for a king though. For this king.

Long for him by submitting to His reign while living in another country.

It will make your life better while you live in exile, and it will prepare you for when the King arrives to welcome His subjects home.