December 28

Jesus As King

“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” — John 18:37 BSB

Our Lord’s royalty is evident from the very beginning of St. Matthew’s Gospel, which emphasizes His descent from David. The wise men sought “Him who is born King of the Jews,” and Herod feared His potential challenge to the throne. Throughout the Gospel narrative, there is a consistent emphasis on Jesus being King of the Jews and King of Israel. The Gospel concludes with His regal claim that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.

Jesus never relinquished His claim to kingship but made it clear that His concept of royalty was very different from the one held by the Jews. His vision of kingship was derived from Psalm 72:4, where the King is described as one who “will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy.” It was the clash between Jesus’ understanding of kingship and the Pharisees’ expectations that led Him to the Cross.

For us, the lesson is clear: we must first recognize the royal claims of Christ and offer Him our homage and obedience. Jesus becomes our Savior in the fullest sense only when He is enthroned as King in our hearts. The New Testament consistently describes Him as first Prince and then Savior, and this order is essential for the health of our spiritual lives (Acts 5:31; Romans 10:9; Hebrews 7:2). The entire structure of the Christian life is built upon the cornerstone of Christ’s kingship.

We should not fear Christ as King. He is meek and lowly, fully understanding the struggles of our lives. He lived among us, trusting in the kindness of others for His needs, and entered Jerusalem in humility. But this humble triumph has grown to encompass all of humanity, as generations past, present, and future join in proclaiming Him as King (Revelation 15:3-4).

Prayer

O God, may our hearts overflow with praise for our King. While we adore Him as Wonderful, may He become for us the Prince of Peace. Help us place the government of our lives upon His shoulders, and let there be no end to His rule and our peace. Amen.