A Year in Luke/ActsNäide

Kings

In Luke 1, before Jesus is even born he is said to be the coming Messiah, the King Israel has been promised: “The Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.” (v32) Jesus will not be like the rulers of the world who seek power for themselves. He stands for justice and righteousness, those who are included in his kingdom are the last ones you would expect. Like many kings, Jesus defeats an enemy in battle before his victorious return, but the enemy is not a person and he doesn’t conquer through violence. Jesus defeats death itself through the power of sacrificial love and then rises victorious. The moment of enthronement comes as Jesus ascends to the Father and commissions his followers to continue spreading his kingdom.

His followers stand before priests, rulers, and kings of all sorts declaring that there is a new King of the world. Because of the resurrection, the world is a different place, the King’s rule has begun and will be completed when he returns a second time to establish his kingdom fully and humanity joins him in resurrection.