Why is it important to recognize Jesus' authority as seen in Luke 19:38? Setting the Scene “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38) Right at the crest of the Mount of Olives, a joyful crowd greets Jesus with Psalm 118’s royal blessing. They’re not offering casual praise; they’re publicly declaring Him King. What the Crowd’s Words Reveal • King – They acknowledge His sovereign rule. • Comes in the name of the Lord – They see divine backing and messianic fulfillment. • Peace in heaven – They recognize His authority reaches the spiritual realm. • Glory in the highest – They connect Jesus’ kingship with worship owed to God alone. Why Recognizing His Authority Matters • Salvation hinges on it – “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ … you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). • Obedience flows from it – “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). • Protection from deception – A clear grasp of His kingship guards us from false saviors (Acts 4:12). • Alignment with heaven – Every knee will bow (Philippians 2:9-11); acknowledging Him now unites us with that future reality. • Hope in trials – A reigning King is in control (Colossians 1:17), so suffering never has the final word. Scripture Echoes Affirming His Authority • Psalm 118:26 – Prophetic root of the crowd’s shout. • Matthew 28:18 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • Hebrews 1:3 – He sustains all things by His powerful word. • John 5:22-23 – The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son. • Revelation 19:16 – “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” written on His robe. Practical Ways to Honor His Kingship Today • Submit daily decisions to His Word rather than personal preference. • Join corporate worship that centers on Christ’s supremacy. • Share the gospel boldly—our King has commissioned us (Matthew 28:19-20). • Serve others sacrificially; the King washed feet (John 13:14-15). • Cultivate expectancy—He rode in once on a colt; He will return on a white horse (Revelation 19:11). |
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