Who Is Jesus? Part 4Sample

His Crowning Moment Was the Cross

The crucifixion narrative laid out in Matthew 27 perfectly parallels the process of a new emperor or king coming to the throne. And the trajectory of Jesus’ ministry followed this process of an Israelite ruler becoming king. But Jesus is a very different kind of king who launched a much better kingdom than any of the kingdoms of this world. He isn’t a king who sends His people to die for Him; He’s a king who willingly died for us. 

The process of Israelite kings coming to power included their designation, demonstration, and coronation. So how was Jesus designated as king? Usually, kings were anointed with oil, which symbolized the Spirit of God being with them, empowering them to rule. For example, David, Israel’s greatest ancient king, was anointed by the prophet Samuel when he was just a young shepherd. This indicated that God had chosen (designated) David to one day take the throne. Jesus’ anointing moment looked a little different. 

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 NIV

God Himself designated Jesus, anointing Him with the Spirit at His baptism. So Jesus was destined to be King. 

But like David, Jesus’ appointment didn’t happen right after His anointing. Both Jesus and David had to go through testing first. David was sent by his father to bring provisions to his brothers on a battlefield. There, he encountered a Philistine warrior who had been taunting Israel for 40 days. And this guy wasn’t just an ordinary foot soldier. Goliath was a massive, 9-foot-tall, legendary fighter. But David trusted God. So without armor and without a sword, he goes and meets Goliath and triumphs over him with a sling and a stone. And this was actually the third time David faced a seemingly impossible opponent and won. He’d beaten a bear, a lion, and now, a giant. 

Similarly, Jesus was led into the wilderness for 40 days to be tested. And three times, Satan baited Him and presented Jesus with opportunities to opt out of the mission God had given Him. But Jesus never faltered. He relied on God’s Word, resisted every temptation, and demonstrated His commitment in the face of opposition. Sure, it would have been easier for both Jesus and David to fold under the pressure, but instead they demonstrated that they would be good, faithful kings. 

Then, the day finally came when David became king over all of Israel. 

At Jesus’ crucifixion, a crown of thorns and a robe were put on Him. The inscription on His cross identified Jesus as King of the Jews, His own people. On Friday, He was crucified as a criminal. But on Sunday, He was resurrected as the King of all creation. 

As His followers, we have been called to share the Good News that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our God has once again become King, His Kingdom is coming on Earth as it is in Heaven, and all of us have been invited to play a part in His redemptive plans to rescue humanity and restore creation. Because the day is coming when Jesus will return and all of creation will acknowledge Him for who He is: King over everything.