What significance does the title "King of the Jews" hold for believers today? Focus Verse Matthew 27:37 — “Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Why the Title Was Posted • Rome meant it as a criminal accusation, but heaven meant it as a proclamation. • Jewish leaders rejected Jesus’ claim to messiahship; Pilate unknowingly broadcast it. • God used a pagan governor to declare the very truth the Sanhedrin denied (John 19:19-22). Old Testament Foundations of the Title • Promise to David: “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). • Prophecy of the coming Ruler: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse… the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him” (Isaiah 11:1-2). • Bethlehem identified as birthplace of “one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2). • Zechariah’s royal entrance: “See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9; fulfilled in Matthew 21:5). The Cross Reveals the True Nature of His Kingship • Instead of coercion, He rules by sacrificial love (Mark 10:45). • Crown of thorns points to a King who bears the curse (Genesis 3:17-18; Galatians 3:13). • His throne is a cross before it is a crown (Philippians 2:8-11). The Resurrection Confirms His Throne • “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). • He ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father, fulfilling Psalm 110:1. • The risen King now possesses “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). What “King of the Jews” Means for Believers Today • Historical Certainty: The title anchors faith in documented events, not myth. • Messianic Identity: Affirms Jesus as the promised descendant of David, validating every messianic prophecy. • Universal Sovereignty: Though rooted in Jewish promise, His kingship extends to all nations (Isaiah 49:6; Revelation 5:9-10). • Kingdom Perspective: We live as subjects of a present, spiritual kingdom that will one day be visible and global (Luke 17:21; Revelation 11:15). • Loyalty Above All: Allegiance to Christ supersedes every earthly tie—national, cultural, political (Philippians 3:20). • Hope for Justice: The King who once wore thorns will return wearing “many crowns” to judge and restore (Revelation 19:12-16). Living Under the King’s Reign • Trust His Word fully; a King’s decrees are never optional (John 14:15). • Display kingdom values—humility, mercy, righteousness—in daily life (Matthew 5:3-12). • Proclaim His reign by sharing the gospel, inviting others to bow willingly now (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Anticipate His return, pressing on in holiness “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). |
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