The concept of Jesus Christ as King is a central theme in Christian theology, deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus' kingship is not only affirmed by His followers but is also declared by Christ Himself through His teachings, parables, and actions. This entry explores the self-declaration of Jesus as King, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.

Old Testament Prophecies

The anticipation of a Messianic King is woven throughout the Old Testament. Prophecies such as Isaiah 9:6-7 speak of a child born to us, a son given, with the government upon His shoulders, and His reign characterized by justice and righteousness. Similarly, Zechariah 9:9 foretells a king coming to Zion, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey.

Jesus' Self-Declaration

1. The Kingdom of God: Jesus frequently spoke of the "Kingdom of God," indicating His role as its sovereign. In Mark 1:15 , Jesus proclaims, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel!" This announcement positions Him as the inaugurator of God's kingdom on earth.

2. The Triumphal Entry: In fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a deliberate act of declaring His kingship. Matthew 21:5 quotes, "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"

3. Before Pilate: During His trial, Jesus affirms His kingship in a conversation with Pontius Pilate. In John 18:36-37 , Jesus states, "My kingdom is not of this world... You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth."

4. The Good Shepherd: In John 10:11-18, Jesus describes Himself as the "Good Shepherd," a title with royal connotations, as shepherds were often seen as rulers and protectors of their people. His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep underscores His sacrificial kingship.

5. The Parables: Many of Jesus' parables illustrate the nature of His kingdom and His role as King. The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) and the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) both depict a kingly figure, symbolizing Christ's authority and the coming of His kingdom.

The Title "King of the Jews"

The title "King of the Jews" is used both mockingly and truthfully in the Gospels. At His crucifixion, the inscription above Jesus' head reads, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:37). Despite the intent of mockery, this title affirms His royal identity, recognized even by those who sought to condemn Him.

The Ascended King

After His resurrection, Jesus' ascension further establishes His kingship. In Acts 1:9-11, Jesus is taken up into heaven, signifying His exaltation and reign at the right hand of the Father. Ephesians 1:20-22 speaks of God raising Christ from the dead and seating Him "at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion."

The Return of the King

The New Testament concludes with the promise of Christ's return as King. Revelation 19:16 declares, "On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." This future event will consummate His reign and establish His eternal kingdom.

Through His words and actions, Jesus Christ unequivocally declares Himself as King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing a kingdom that transcends earthly realms. His kingship is characterized by humility, sacrifice, and ultimate authority, inviting all to recognize and submit to His sovereign rule.Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 18:37
Pilate therefore said to him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Reason Why Forty Generations (Not Including Christ Himself) ...
... of presenting the record of Christ as the King who came ... his Gospel, but at the point
of Christ's baptism, and ... as where the voice from heaven declared Him, and ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter iv of the reason why.htm

The King on his Judgment Throne
... And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily ... I. The first broad teaching is
that Christ is the ... scene of the final judgment, Jesus declared Himself to be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the king on his judgment.htm

The Old Prophets and Righteous Men Knew Beforehand of the Advent ...
... for this reason were unwilling that the king should come ... pointing out that what had
been declared by David ... was announced by the prophets as Christ, whose name ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xi the old prophets and.htm

Art Thou a King?
... Yes.' Thus before the high-priest, He declared Himself to be ... here He told Pilate
that He was a 'king,' because a ... and he, too, might have 'heard' Christ's voice ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/art thou a king.htm

The victory
... what was true only in part, and he declared it to ... When Adam betrayed his sovereignty
into Satan's hands, Christ still remained the rightful King. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 13 the victory.htm

The King's Herald.
... Kingdom "is not of this world" (S. John 18:36), as He declared plainly to ... The Lord
Jesus Christ came to found a Kingdom ... He is the King of "The Kingdom of Heaven ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter i the kings herald.htm

One and the Same God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, is He whom ...
... human race; gold, because He was a King, "of whose ... made known in Judea," [3385] and
was "declared to those ... whom I am well pleased." [3387] For Christ did not ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ix one and the same.htm

Fragment Liv. The Law and the Prophets and Evangelists have ...
... The [4912] law and the prophets and evangelists have declared that Christ was born ...
angels; the Man among men; Son in the Father; God in God; King to all ...
/.../fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/fragment liv the law and.htm

Christ Before Pilate.
... Christ "witnesses a good confession." Christ a King (18:32-37).3. Without the Pr??torium.
Jesus declared innocent. Barabbas proposed (18:38-40).4. Within. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ before pilate.htm

Christ's Advent Foretold.
... which was formed against Christ by Herod the king of the ... God calls Him His Son, and
has declared that He ... Lord of all, and the power of Christ Himself; and how ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xl christs advent foretold.htm

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