King: The Third Messianic Office of Jesus

Messianic Offices

What are the three messianic offices?

How is Jesus a prophet? How is Jesus a priest?

What part of Jesus’ life do we associate with his kingship?

Who is Jesus like in his kingship?

David, whose dynasty was promised to remain forever

Christ the King

Matthew 4:8–11 (CSB)

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.”

Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.

How did Christ become a king? Not through the temptations of Satan, nor by divine fiat, but by subjecting himself to God’s will.

Matthew 28:18 (CSB)

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Jesus’ kingship begins with his resurrection

His Death the Premise of His Kingship

Luke 24:26 (CSB)

Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?”

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus questions two of his disciples

Christ’s work as prophet, and as priest, are the necessary basis for his exaltation as king.

Prophet and Priest are part of his descent … King is part of his ascent!!

His Kingdom not of this World

John 18:36–37 CSB

“My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” “You are a king then?” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

Jesus is a king. He is not a worldly king. His kingdom is spiritual. His mission was to attest that coming, spiritual kingdom.

Kingdom of Power, Grace, and Glory

Every king must have a kingdom; we’ve recognized that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, but what more can we say about it?

Power

Christ’s dominion with reference to the world

Psalm 8:6 CSB

You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:

The Eternal Son of God has always exercised sustaining governance over creation, but it is Christ’s death for all that confirms his right to rule over all.

Ephesians 1:20–22 CSB

He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church,

Grace

Christ’s dominion with reference to the Church

Romans 14:17 CSB

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The kingdom of grace is simultaneously a kingdom of heaven and a kingdom already being received here on earth

Matthew 6:10 CSB

Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Christ’s kingly rule is manifested among those who live in union with him

Glory

Christ’s dominion with reference to the future life

John 17:24 CSB

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they will see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the world’s foundation.

1 Timothy 6:14–15 CSB

to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords,

Nicene Creed:

“On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.”

So what?

Why does it matter that Christ is King? Why does it matter that Jesus is Prophet, Priest, and King for that matter?

It matters because it shows that Christ has perfectly fulfilled God’s will in everything

It matters because the evil that persists in this world now is only temporary, as the kingdom of God continues to grow until it is consummated in glory

It matters because Christ’s authority gives us authority

Matthew 28:18–20 CSB

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

It matters because Christ is coming again

Revelation 11:15 CSB

The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying, The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.