Jesus as King

PRAYER

Luke 11:1–13 KJV 1900

1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. 5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Jude 24–25 KJV 1900

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Prayer Prompts from Sunday’s Services

Thank the Lord for thee privilege we have to come to God in prayer at any time.

Pray that our church would prioritize prayer and that we would be persistent in bringing our requests to Him.

Spend time thanking God for what He has accomplished for us in salvation.

He keeps us from falling.

He presents us faultless before His glory.

He welcomes us into His joy.

Give God the glory and praise that is due His name. Ask God to help you rest in His power and authority.

Prayer for the Finances of the Church

Thank God for the way he has sustained our church for 55 years. Thank God for faithful members who regularly give.

Praise the Lord because He sees what we need and has promised to care for us.

Pray that every member would recognize the importance and joy of giving to the Lord through the church.

Ask God to provide for us in ways that only He can.

Updates and New Requests

Trent Hanna

Randolph Caldwell

Bob Wilkie

Bob Hilt

Logan Campbell

JESUS AS KING

“King Quiz”

1. Who was the first king of Israel? (Saul)

2. Which king built the temple in Jerusalem? (Solomon)

3. After which king did the kingdom split into Israel and Judah? a) David b) Saul c) Solomon d) Rehoboam (Solomon — the kingdom split under his son Rehoboam)

4. Who was known as a “man after God’s own heart”? (David)

5. Which evil queen ruled in Judah? a) Jezebel b) Esther c) Athaliah d) Bathsheba (Athaliah — 2 Kings 11)

6. Which godly king of Judah cleansed and repaired the Temple? a) Ahaz b) Manasseh c) Josiah d) Jehoiakim (Josiah)

Introduction:

What comes to mind when you think of a king?

Over the past couple of weeks in our study of Christology (the theology of Jesus), we’ve seen two of three distinct offices of Christ. Can anyone name the first two that we’ve discussed? (prophet / priest) Tonight, we’ll add one more office, that of king.

The London Baptist Confession states our need for these distinct offices in this way:

This number and order of Offices is necessary; for in respect of our ignorance (John 1:18), we stand in need of his Prophetical Office; and in respect of our alienation from God (Colossians 1:21), and imperfection of the best of our services, we need his Priestly Office, to reconcile us, and present us acceptable unto God: and in respect to our averseness, and utter inability to return to God, and for our rescue, and security from our spiritual adversaries, we need his Kingly Office (John 16:8; Psalm 110:3; Luke 1:74-75), to convince, subdue, draw, uphold, deliver, and preserve us to his Heavenly Kingdom. — Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms (pg. 255)

The Westminster Longer Catechism asks and answers this question:

How doth Christ execute the office of a king? Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

How might Jesus’ kingship be different from earthly kings?

Unlike earthly kings who rule by force and seek to be served, Jesus demonstrated a radically different kind of kingship.

Though prophesied in the Old Testament as the coming Messiah-King and born with a divine claim to David’s throne, Jesus established His kingdom not through political or military power, but through sacrificial love and service.

He taught that His kingdom “is not of this world” (John 18:36) and showed this by washing His disciples’ feet, riding into Jerusalem on a humble donkey rather than a warhorse, and ultimately laying down His life on the cross.

Jesus’ kingship is both present and future — He currently reigns in the hearts of believers and over His church, while also promising a future return as the triumphant “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16) who will fully establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace.

While we think and teach theology, we want to make sure that we ground everything in Scripture. So here are some Key Passages concerning Jesus as King.

Key Passages:

Old Testament Prophecies

Isaiah 9:6–7 “6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

This prophecy announces the birth of a divine child who will establish and rule an eternal kingdom. The passage emphasizes that this coming king will govern with justice and peace, sitting on David’s throne forever.

Daniel 7:13–14 “13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

Daniel’s vision shows “one like a son of man” approaching God’s throne and receiving universal, eternal dominion over all peoples and nations. This prophetic glimpse reveals the Messiah’s divine authority and the endless nature of His kingdom.

Zechariah 9:9 “9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: Behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; Lowly, and riding upon an ass, And upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

This prophecy specifically details how Jerusalem’s king would come riding on a donkey, displaying humility rather than military might. Jesus deliberately fulfilled this prophecy during His triumphal entry, demonstrating He was the promised, humble king.

Jesus’ Birth and Ministry

Matthew 2:1–2 “1 Now when Jesus was born in Beth-lehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

Wise men from the East followed a star seeking the newborn “King of the Jews,” recognizing Jesus’ royal status from His birth. Their quest and worship show that even Gentile scholars acknowledged Jesus’ kingship before Jewish leaders did.

John 18:33–37 “33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

In this crucial dialogue with Pilate, Jesus explains that His kingdom is “not of this world” and defines His kingship in terms of bearing witness to truth. This reveals the spiritual rather than political nature of Christ’s kingdom.

Jesus’ Present and Future Kingship

Revelation 19:11–16 “11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

This dramatic vision shows Jesus returning as a conquering king on a white horse, with “King of kings and Lord of lords” written on His robe. It portrays the ultimate manifestation of Christ’s authority when He returns to establish His kingdom fully on earth.

Philippians 2:9–11 “9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

After describing Christ’s humble obedience, this passage declares that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him the name above all names. It prophesies that eventually every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“The question is not whether Jesus is King, but whether we will bow our knee to Him now or later.” — John MacArthur

1 Timothy 6:13–15 “13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;”

Paul describes Jesus as the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords who will appear at the proper time. This passage emphasizes both Christ’s supreme authority and the certainty of His return.

Key Thoughts:

The Dual Nature of Christ’s Kingship

Jesus’ kingdom operates simultaneously in two spheres — He currently reigns spiritually in the hearts of believers who submit to His lordship, transforming them from within.

Luke 17:21 “21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Colossians 1:13 “13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”

Romans 14:17 “17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

At the same time, Scripture promises His future, physical return as King of kings, when He will establish His visible kingdom on earth and rule with perfect justice and righteousness.

Revelation 11:15 “15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”

Zechariah 14:9 “9 And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: In that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.”

Revelation 19:15–16 “15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

The Characteristics of Christ’s Kingdom

Unlike earthly kingdoms built on military might and political power, Christ’s kingdom is founded on eternal truth and perfect love for His subjects.

His kingdom transcends all national and ethnic boundaries, welcoming people from every tribe and nation who believe in Him.

Perhaps most striking is that this kingdom operates on the principle of serving others rather than being served, following the example of its King who washed His disciples’ feet.

Our Response:

As subjects of Christ the King, we are called to fully submit every area of our lives to His loving authority, recognizing that His commands are for our good and for His glory.

This submission means living as a citizen of heaven even while on earth, representing His kingdom values in how we treat others and conduct ourselves.

We also have the privilege and responsibility of participating in His kingdom work by sharing the gospel and serving others in His name.

“Make Jesus the King of your heart before He comes as King of the universe.” — A.W. Tozer