Topical Encyclopedia
The acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as King by His followers is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the recognition of His divine authority and messianic role. This acknowledgment is not merely a title but a profound declaration of faith and allegiance to Jesus as the sovereign ruler over all creation and the spiritual kingdom of God.
Old Testament FoundationsThe concept of a coming king is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Prophecies such as those found in
Isaiah 9:6-7 and
Zechariah 9:9 foretell the arrival of a messianic king who would establish an everlasting kingdom. Isaiah speaks of a child born to us, "and the government will be upon His shoulders," and He will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (
Isaiah 9:6). Zechariah describes a king who comes "righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey" (
Zechariah 9:9), a prophecy fulfilled during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
New Testament FulfillmentIn the New Testament, the acknowledgment of Jesus as King is evident from the beginning of His earthly ministry. The Magi, upon visiting the infant Jesus, inquire, "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?" (
Matthew 2:2). This early recognition sets the stage for Jesus' public ministry, where His kingship is progressively revealed and affirmed by His followers.
Triumphal EntryOne of the most explicit acknowledgments of Jesus as King occurs during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus rides into the city on a donkey, the crowds spread their cloaks on the road and shout, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" and "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (
Matthew 21:9). This event fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah and publicly declares Jesus as the promised King of Israel.
Confession of the DisciplesThe disciples of Jesus also recognize His kingship. Peter's confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (
Matthew 16:16), acknowledges Jesus' divine authority and messianic role. Similarly, Nathanael declares, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel" (
John 1:49), affirming Jesus' identity as the awaited King.
The Crucifixion and ResurrectionEven at the crucifixion, the theme of Jesus as King is present. The inscription above the cross reads, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" (
Matthew 27:37), a title meant to mock but ultimately proclaiming a profound truth. After His resurrection, Jesus asserts His authority, saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (
Matthew 28:18), commissioning His followers to spread the message of His kingdom.
The Early ChurchThe early church continued to acknowledge Jesus as King, proclaiming His lordship and divine authority. The Apostle Paul writes of Jesus, "God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names" (
Philippians 2:9), emphasizing His sovereign rule. The Book of Revelation further depicts Jesus as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (
Revelation 19:16), a title that underscores His ultimate authority over all earthly and spiritual realms.
ConclusionThe acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as King by His followers is a testament to His divine authority, fulfillment of prophecy, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This recognition is foundational to the Christian faith, affirming Jesus as the sovereign ruler and the hope of salvation for all who believe.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 19:38Saying, Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Torrey's Topical TextbookJohn 12:13
Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473.
... estate; they were under the protection of a Utraquist King; they attended ... If these
three good men, now chosen by Christ, were to be acknowledged as priests ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v gregory the patriarch.htm
The Crown of Thorns.
... Even where His authority is nominally acknowledged, both aristocracies and ... whose
kingdom he is not a king, nor a ... And so about Christ there was something which ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter vii the crown of.htm
The Title on the Cross
... became an unconscious prophecy of Christ's universal dominion ... can satisfy hungry
hearts, will build His sway over ... of Nazareth to be the acknowledged King of the ...
/.../the title on the cross.htm
How the Question Arose About the Due Time of Keeping Easter, with ...
... Then Wilfrid, being ordered by the king to speak, began ... it is kept by the whole Church
of Christ, yet you ... to the custom of the Egyptians, he acknowledged it to ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxv how the question.htm
The Allegory of Melchizedek.
... him, and Abraham accepted the blessing, and acknowledged its priestly ... is the infinitely
great personality of Jesus Christ, born a crownless King; crowned at ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter vii the allegory of.htm
The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... of the seed of Abraham; but he acknowledged the inspiration ... in the hands of Aretas,
the king of Arabia ... new religionists without perceiving that Christ was "the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm
Suffering the Birth-Pains of a New Life.
... It acknowledged his sin, that life is forfeited by sin, his ... blessing now, and by
and by the King again ... devout Christian, with his hand in Christ's, believes God ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/suffering the birth-pains of a.htm
Messiah's Entrance into Jerusalem
... By their acknowledged principles, they were all bound to ... They that are Christ's have
crucified the flesh, have ... If He be, indeed, your King, your consciences ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xi messiahs entrance into.htm
Calvary
... Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and ... Christ
in His humiliation was glorified. ... He was acknowledged as the Sin Bearer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 78 calvary.htm
The Life of Christ.
... "When the king had heard ... as a teacher sent from God, were extensively acknowledged;
and therefore ... is no fact connected with the life of Christ better attested ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the life of.htm
Resources
Is suffering for Christ always going to be a part of being a follower of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgHow is the church the Body of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWho am I in Christ? | GotQuestions.orgChrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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