At the Table with JesusSample

Jesus Is the King of Kings

When Jesus began His public ministry, the very first thing He taught was the reality of what we refer to as the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God. “Repent,” Jesus said, “for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matt. 4:17). That was His first message. That was the primary theme He wanted to communicate: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Throughout His ministry, Jesus spent a lot of time describing that kingdom. He told His followers not to waste their time worrying about what they would eat, drink, or wear but to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (6:33). He declared, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough” (13:33). He meant the kingdom has a way of spreading within cultures. It grows. And Jesus taught Nicodemus, the teacher, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3).

Jesus also described what it takes to enter the kingdom of heaven. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” He declared, “but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Jesus added, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10:15).

Ultimately, Jesus made it clear that the kingdom of God is vastly different from any of the monarchies or nations that have ever existed on earth. It is spiritual. It is heavenly. As He said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.”

Jesus is both God and man. He is our Savior and our Rabbi, our Friend and our Lord. He is both High Priest and the Lamb of God. Jesus is all of these and much, much more.

But the next time you have a conversation with Jesus, remember you are connecting with the King—your King. Remember you are building a relationship with the Ruler of the universe. And remember you have that opportunity not because you deserve it but because the King of all things stepped down from His throne and set up a table in the presence of your enemies.

Every monarchy that ever existed either has come crashing down or will come crashing down. Sure, many of them were impressive in their day. They left behind palaces and statues, and they left their mark in our history books. But the simple truth is that earthly kingdoms simply do not last.

God’s kingdom is different, though, because God’s kingdom is eternal. Everlasting. And the same is true for Jesus the King.

In 2 Samuel there’s an interesting interaction between King David and God. Having just finished a majestic palace for himself, David felt convicted about where God was hanging out in his kingdom. Specifically, the Israelites were still worshiping God at the tabernacle, which was basically a tent. A large and fancy tent, yes, but still a tent.

So David decided he would build God a house. A temple. He started making plans. He brought in the best architects and the best designers. He was prepared to spare no expense.

Then God stepped in and told David to stop. God reminded David that He had no need of a dwelling place. He was God! The same being who created galaxies and spun solar systems into existence could not be contained any place on earth, be it a tent, a temple, or the tallest tower.

Instead, God declared He would build David a house—not a physical structure, but a dynasty, a lineage. “When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors,” God said, “I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.” Then He added, “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16).

Of course, God was talking about the Messiah who would be born in the line of David. He was talking about Jesus. But it’s important for us to understand that Jesus didn’t begin His existence when He was born in Bethlehem a thousand years later. Neither did Jesus suddenly become a king in that moment.

The truth is that Jesus set aside His crown and stepped down from His throne so He could accomplish the work only He could accomplish. Salvation. Sacrifice. Redemption. Atonement.

Jesus has always existed. He is eternal. And He has always existed as the unquestioned ruler of God’s kingdom. He has no predecessor. No successor. No heir. He was, is, and always will be King of kings.

Respond

How has Jesus shown himself to be King of kings in your life?

Write a prayer of praise to Jesus, the King of kings.

Prayer

Jesus, you are King of kings and Lord of lords and you alone are worthy of worship and honor!