Jesus Reigns
This is an edited version of an AWANA message at FCBC Walnut.
Is Jesus a king? One way we can see if someone is a king is to consider their reign. To reign over something means that they rule - they have control, power, and authority. Some might say that they can’t see Jesus ruling anywhere. If Jesus is a king, how does he reign?
The Triumphal Entry
Let’s look at a scene in the Bible called the Triumphal Entry. It’s a special time called Passover in our story, and it’s important to remember that Passover marked when Moses led God’s people out from Egyptian slavery. During Jesus’ time, the Roman government was in charge. Jesus is riding on a donkey into Jerusalem, and the people greet him with these words:
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)
They really think Jesus is a king, and they’re offering some theological reasons why. Here are two confessions about King Jesus in these short lines of Scripture. We’re going to see how Jesus reigns - how he rules - as a king.
1. King Jesus saves his people
The first confession is that King Jesus reigns by saving his people. Our verse says he is blessed and comes in the name of the Lord:
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)
This entire statement is actually from Psalm 118:26. The psalm describes a festive procession into Jerusalem after some great deliverance, so you have that idea of God saving his people again just like the Passover. This same story in Mark has the people shouting Hosanna - meaning please save us. And with Jesus being described as the king, it’s the people proclaiming that Jesus is going to save them from the Romans. The phrase “Blessed is the King” in this context actually implies worship, a way to celebrate a conquering and ruling king. I’m not sure if the people knew exactly what they were proclaiming, but they were communicating that Jesus is the king who has come to save his people.
Jesus did not actually save the people the way they thought they would be saved. The Roman government was still in place after Jesus’ time, and many of his followers were persecuted. For those who are in Jesus’ kingdom, Jesus saves them spiritually. Jesus saves by reigning over sin, and death, and Satan. Are there areas of sin in your life where you have tried to refuse Jesus’ reign? Have you watched your words and actions? What about more subtle sins like pride or jealousy?
King Jesus saves his people.
2. King Jesus brings peace to the world
The second confession about King Jesus is that he reigns by bringing peace to the world. Our verse proclaims peace in heaven and glory in the highest:
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)
This statement was foreshadowed in Zechariah 9:9-10, where it mentions a humble king who comes riding on a donkey, and brings peace. Earlier in Luke, the angels proclaimed peace when Jesus was born. The fact that the king brings peace is interesting to us because when we think of kings, we might think of conflict and tyranny. But God’s people have always envisioned a king who would rule bringing peace to God’s people but also to all the nations. I’m not sure if the people knew exactly what they were proclaiming, but they were communicating that Jesus is the king who brings peace to the world.
Jesus did not actually bring peace to the world the way they thought he would. There are wars happening today and our own nation is divided on many things. For those who are in Jesus’ kingdom, Jesus brings peace to the world by making peace between God and man. And for Christians, this means that we are now connected together by being brought into God’s family. Jews and Gentiles can be at peace together as the family of God. Are there relationships in your life where you have tried to refuse the peace that Jesus brings? Do you need to reconcile with any family or friends? Can you learn to love your enemies the way that Christ has loved us?
King Jesus saves his people and brings peace to the world.
“My Kingdom is Not of this World”
Now up to this point in the story, you might think that things are looking good for Jesus. He has a huge crowd behind him and maybe Jesus is getting ready to reveal his grand plans to free his people from the Roman government and bring peace to everyone. But this is not what happens. Jesus is betrayed by Judas. Jesus is put in front of the governor Pilate, and this is what happens:
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” (John 18:36)
Jesus is in trouble. He’s asked directly if he is a king, and if he is going to rebel against the Roman government. Look at what Jesus says:
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. Jesus is saying that his kingdom is not political, but spiritual. He is not a political king of this earth, but a spiritual king of the entire universe. Those who believe in him can become a part of his kingdom. Even more: they can become adopted into the King’s family, being ready to rule and reign with him in eternity.
Jesus Reigns
Jesus is a king who reigns, but his kingdom is not of this world. The Bible tells us that Jesus is actually ruling and reigning in Heaven right now, though we might not see it. In fact, he upholds the entire universe by his word of his power. There will come a day when Jesus’ kingdom will fully come, and every knee will bow before him. Some might say they can’t see Jesus ruling anywhere. For now, we can see evidence of Jesus reigning in the hearts of Christians. We can see the fruit in the lives of those who have been saved from their sin, and we see the peace that he brings to the church family. King Jesus reigns, and we have so much to be thankful for!
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:15)
