Easter With the Kingنموونە

Honorific Titles

His Majesty: Luke 23:26-49

Theme Verse: Luke 23:38

One fascinating aspect of royalty is their many honorific titles. For example, the King is addressed as "His Royal Highness" or "His Majesty," while members of his family hold different titles that can be quite confusing to the rest of us. For example, a daughter is not a princess unless officially decreed, and many members of the royal family have multiple titles.

Similarly, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, has numerous titles and names of great significance. He is called the Lord of Lords, Emmanuel, Christ, Master, Son of God, Messiah, Good Shepherd, Morning Star, Word Made Flesh, Redeemer, and the Lord Almighty, among others. Each name reflects a different aspect of His divine identity and mission.

On Holy Friday or Black Friday Jesus earned another profound title: "The Lamb of God." (John 1:36, Revelation 5:12) According to Old Testament law, a lamb was sacrificed to atone for sins. On that day, Jesus willingly sacrificed His sinless life, becoming the final and perfect payment for humanity's sins. While some wondered why He didn’t save Himself if He truly was God, Jesus knew His death on the cross would bring eternal salvation.

As Jesus died, extraordinary events unfolded. Darkness covered the land, the temple curtain that separated the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom, a great earthquake shook the earth, and even the dead were raised to life, as recorded in the book of Matthew. (Matthew 27:51-53) Though it was a sorrowful day for those who loved Him, it became a day of triumph, for Jesus broke the chains of sin, paid the ultimate price, and set us free.

Even His detractors unknowingly honored Him that day. Above His head on the cross, they placed a sign that read, "This is the King of the Jews," (Luke 23:38) granting Him an earthly title befitting His heavenly reign as the true King of Kings.

Questions:

1. What titles are given for achievements where you live?

2. For what things are those titles given?

3. How important are those titles to you?