Christ Centered Insights

Jesus Is King: A Simple Guide to Understanding His Lordship

Jesus is King – these three powerful words represent the cornerstone of Christian faith, yet many believers often say them without fully grasping their profound significance. Throughout history, kingdoms have risen and fallen, but Jesus’ kingship stands unparalleled, transcending time and earthly authority. Indeed, understanding the meaning behind Christ’s lordship transforms how we view both our faith and our place in His kingdom.

When we declare “Jesus is King,” we acknowledge not just a religious concept, but a living reality that shapes our understanding of scripture, salvation, and eternity. In fact, this declaration connects ancient prophecies to present-day faith and future hope. Throughout this guide, we’ll explore the biblical foundations of Jesus’ kingship – from God’s covenant with David to the prophecies of Isaiah, from Christ’s own declarations before Pilate to His conquering of death through resurrection. Additionally, we’ll examine what it means that He reigns now as King of Kings and will return to establish His kingdom fully.

The Promise of a Coming King

Long before Jesus walked the roads of Galilee, the promise of a coming king reverberated throughout the Old Testament. This divine promise wasn’t merely about earthly rulership, but pointed toward a Messiah whose kingdom would transcend all temporal powers and establish an eternal reign.

God’s covenant with David

The foundation of this royal promise rests firmly in God’s covenant with David, recorded in 2 Samuel 7. After David expressed desire to build a temple, God responded with an astonishing promise: He would establish David’s throne forever. This wasn’t simply about Solomon’s succession, but reached far beyond into eternity.

“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). This unconditional covenant guaranteed that a descendant of David would rule eternally. Unlike other covenants that depended on human obedience, the Davidic covenant rested solely on God’s faithfulness, not on David or Israel’s performance ¹.

Throughout subsequent generations, Israel witnessed many failures among David’s descendants. Yet God’s promise remained unshaken. The covenant established that:

• The Messiah would come from David’s lineage
• His kingdom would never end
• His throne would be established forever
• His rule would extend beyond Israel to all nations

Nevertheless, a tension emerged. Since each of David’s descendants proved sinful and imperfect, how could any fulfill such a magnificent promise? This apparent contradiction pointed toward something greater – the covenant could only be fulfilled through someone who transcended human limitation ².

Prophecies in Isaiah and Daniel

The prophets Isaiah and Daniel provided striking clarity about this coming king. Isaiah’s prophecies particularly illuminated the divine nature of this future ruler.

In Isaiah 9:6-7, we find one of scripture’s most profound messianic promises: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end” ³.

Remarkably, Isaiah attributes divine titles to this child-king – not merely a human ruler, but one called “Mighty God.” Furthermore, his prophecy directly connects this divine figure to David’s throne, declaring that this ruler would establish justice and righteousness “from this time forth and forevermore” ⁴.

Daniel’s vision similarly revealed the eternal nature of this promised king. In Daniel 7:13-14, the prophet witnessed “one like a son of man” approaching the Ancient of Days, receiving “dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him.” Most significantly, Daniel emphasizes that “his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away” ³.

Together, these prophecies painted a portrait of an extraordinary king – one who would be both divine and human, establish perfect justice, rule with righteousness, and possess an eternal kingdom. This wasn’t merely political rhetoric or poetic hyperbole. Rather, these precise prophecies created an expectation that could only be fulfilled in someone who embodied both heaven and earth.

This coming king would be unlike any ruler before him – not merely restoring Israel’s political fortunes, but addressing the deeper problem of human sin and establishing God’s perfect reign on earth.

Jesus Declares His Kingship

During His earthly ministry, Christ revealed His kingship through words and actions, though often in ways that confounded both His followers and enemies. While many expected a political liberator, Jesus presented a radically different understanding of His royal identity.

Jesus before Pilate

The confrontation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate provides one of the most direct discussions of Christ’s kingship in scripture. Brought before the Roman governor on charges of claiming to be a king, Jesus faced the central question of His trial: “Are you the King of the Jews?” ⁵

Despite the gravity of the situation, Jesus never answers Pilate’s question straightforwardly ⁶. Instead, He responds with profound theological significance: “My kingdom is not of this world” ⁶. This declaration reveals the nature of His authority – not politically threatening to Rome, yet infinitely more significant.

When pressed further by Pilate who interprets His words as affirming kingship, Jesus explains, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” ⁵. Through this exchange, Christ affirms His kingship while distinguishing it from worldly power structures.

Ironically, despite attempting to mock Jesus with a purple robe and crown of thorns, Pilate himself became an unwitting herald of Christ’s kingship by placing the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” above the cross ⁶.

The meaning of ‘Son of Man’

Throughout His ministry, Jesus predominantly referred to Himself not as “Son of God” but as “Son of Man” – using this title 82 times in the New Testament ⁷. Though many assume this emphasizes His humanity, the title actually holds profound implications for His divine authority.

The “Son of Man” reference draws directly from Daniel’s vision where “one like a son of man” approaches the Ancient of Days and receives “dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him” ⁷. By adopting this title, Jesus deliberately identified Himself with this divine figure granted universal authority.

Jesus confirms this meaning when He declares, “the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” and identifies Himself as “Lord of the Sabbath” ⁷. Ultimately, His most explicit connection comes during His trial when He tells the high priest, “From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” ⁷.

Jesus’ use of kingdom language

Kingdom language permeated Jesus’ teaching. He frequently declared that His purpose was to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God” ⁸. Luke summarizes Jesus’ entire ministry as “proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God” ⁸.

Jesus taught that the kingdom is both present and future. He instructed followers to pray “Your kingdom come” while simultaneously declaring “The kingdom is at hand” ⁹. This paradox reveals that God’s reign was inaugurated through Christ’s first coming yet awaits complete fulfillment.

The kingdom Jesus proclaimed isn’t primarily territorial but relational – God’s sovereign action to “redeem and deliver a people and then at a future time finish it and renew his people and the universe completely” ⁹. Through His teaching, Jesus revealed that God’s kingly rule implies saving activity on behalf of His people.

Consequently, Jesus sent His followers as kingdom ambassadors, instructing them to declare, “The kingdom of God has come near to you” ⁸. Even as His earthly ministry concluded, Jesus commissioned His disciples based on His royal authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” ⁸.

The King Who Conquered Death

The ultimate proof of Christ’s royal authority came not through political conquest or military victory, but through His triumph over humanity’s greatest enemy: death itself. Where earthly kings eventually succumbed to mortality’s power, Jesus demonstrated His supreme kingship by conquering the grave.

The resurrection and ascension

Christ’s resurrection stands as history’s most significant verification of His kingship claims. After being executed for claiming to be king, Jesus’ empty tomb and post-resurrection appearances vindicated these declarations. As Peter explained in Acts, Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled David’s prophetic words about God not allowing His “holy one to see corruption” ¹⁰. The resurrection thus marked Him as the promised Davidic King whose throne would last forever.

Unlike ordinary miracles, Christ’s resurrection represented the first time someone rose from death never to die again ¹¹. This extraordinary victory over death wasn’t temporary but permanent and eternal, demonstrating His unique status as the sinless Son of God with death having “no power over Him” ¹¹.

For forty days following His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His followers, teaching them about God’s kingdom ¹². His ascension at the end of this period visibly demonstrated His return to heaven. Luke describes how Jesus blessed His disciples, was “carried up into heaven,” and hidden by a cloud – a powerful symbol of God’s presence ¹³. The angels’ promise that He would “return in the same way” connected His ascension directly to His future kingly return ¹³.

Jesus seated at the right hand of God

The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes that following His ascension, Jesus “sat down at the right hand of God” ¹. This position represents the place of highest honor and authority in heaven ². To be seated at God’s right hand means Christ conquered death ¹ and now occupies the throne of His father David ².

This seated position also signifies that Jesus’ work of “purification for sins” is completely finished ¹. As our High Priest, He made the perfect sacrifice and now reigns as mediator of the New Covenant ¹². The fact that He “sat down” indicates the totality of His accomplishment – unlike temple priests who stood continually to offer repeated sacrifices ¹⁴.

From this position of supreme authority, Jesus currently rules as sovereign over all creation ¹⁵. He possesses “all authority in heaven and on earth” ¹⁰ while His enemies are progressively being made His footstool ¹⁵. He holds “the keys of death and Hades,” symbolizing His complete authority over death itself ¹¹.

Jesus Reigns Now and Forever

The victory of resurrection established Christ not merely as a historical figure but as the present and eternal sovereign over all creation. His kingdom isn’t a future hope alone—it’s a current reality with profound implications for how we understand our world and our lives.

Jesus’ current rule over all creation

Following His resurrection and ascension, Jesus took His place “at the right hand of God” – the position of highest honor and supreme authority. From this exalted position, He exercises absolute dominion “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” ¹⁶. This sovereignty isn’t partial or limited—God has “placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything” ¹⁶.

Moreover, Christ’s authority extends across both the visible and invisible realms. As Paul declares in Colossians, “by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” ¹⁷. First and foremost, Jesus maintains creation through His power, for “in him all things hold together” ¹⁷.

The meaning of ‘King of Kings’

The title “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” appears prominently in Scripture, notably in Revelation 19:16 where it’s written on Christ’s robe and thigh ¹⁸. This majestic description isn’t merely symbolic—it affirms Jesus’ “ultimate authority over all earthly and spiritual realms” ¹⁹.

At the present time, this title reminds us that even the mightiest earthly rulers remain under Christ’s authority. As one biblical source explains, “fundamentally, the idea of Jesus being King of kings and Lord of lords means that there is no higher authority” ¹⁹. His reign remains “absolute and inviolable” ¹⁹.

The eternal nature of His kingdom

On balance, worldly kingdoms rise and fall, but Christ’s kingdom “is an eternal kingdom” ²⁰ that will never end. Unlike temporal political systems with geographic boundaries and limited resources, “the Kingdom of God is eternal” and “universal” ²¹.

Subsequently, believers find profound comfort in the permanence of Christ’s reign. As history demonstrates the fragility of human institutions, Christians rest in the knowledge that Jesus will “reign forever and ever” ²². His kingdom transcends time itself, for as the angel Gabriel announced to Mary, “His kingdom will never end” ²².

The Return of the King

The climactic chapter of Jesus’ kingship story remains unwritten—His triumphant return as the reigning King who will fully establish His kingdom on earth. Scripture portrays this future event not as a possibility but as the definitive conclusion to God’s redemptive plan.

Biblical promises of His second coming

Throughout Scripture, Christ’s return is repeatedly promised—with over 1,500 passages in the Old Testament and one out of every 25 verses in the New Testament mentioning the Messiah’s return ⁴. This abundance of biblical material underscores God’s commitment: “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets” ⁴.

Jesus Himself promised, “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom” ²³. The angels at His ascension affirmed this promise: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” ²³.

Undeniably, His return will be visible, physical, and unmistakable—”like lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west” ²⁴. No one will miss it, as “every eye will see Him” ²⁴.

What His return means for the world

Ultimately, Christ’s return initiates God’s absolute rule over creation ⁴. Upon arriving, He will defeat His enemies at the battle of Armageddon ⁴, judge the nations ⁴, and establish His millennial kingdom ²⁵.

For believers, His return fulfills our “blessed hope” ³, completing our salvation through “the redemption of our bodies” ²⁶. As Paul explained, just as Christ was resurrected with a glorified body, at His return believers will receive “bodies like His glorious body” ²⁶.

His coming brings both judgment and restoration—judging evil while renewing all creation ²³. The world itself will be transformed as “He makes His blessings known far as the curse is found” ²⁷.

Meanwhile, this expectation shapes how we live today. The certainty of His return gives us “peace and hope and joy and confidence because Jesus is coming again” ²⁷ and serves as “a motivation to remain in Christ and to become more Christlike” ²³.

Conclusion

What It Means That Jesus Is King

Throughout this exploration of Christ’s kingship, we have witnessed a divine narrative spanning from ancient covenant promises to future glory. The declaration “Jesus is King” stands as more than a theological statement—it represents the central reality of Christian faith and hope. God’s covenant with David found its perfect fulfillment in Jesus, the eternal king whose throne will never end.

Jesus demonstrated His royal authority through powerful teaching, miraculous works, and ultimately through His victory over death itself. His resurrection and ascension established Him at the right hand of God, where He currently reigns as sovereign Lord over all creation. Therefore, believers can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing their king holds absolute authority over every circumstance.

Unlike earthly rulers whose power remains limited and temporary, Jesus reigns as the eternal King of Kings whose authority extends across all realms—visible and invisible, present and future. This kingship transforms how we understand both history and our personal lives. Every aspect of existence falls under His lordship.

The story reaches its magnificent conclusion with Christ’s promised return. This certainty shapes Christian discipleship today while providing unshakable hope for tomorrow. Jesus will come again, visibly and powerfully, to establish His kingdom fully on earth. Accordingly, believers live between the “already” of His current reign and the “not yet” of His kingdom’s completion.

Perhaps most significantly, this truth demands a response. Recognition of Jesus as King invites personal surrender to His authority. His kingship calls us to align our priorities, values, and actions with His perfect rule. Though we may acknowledge His sovereignty intellectually, the question remains whether we allow Him to reign practically in our daily lives.

Jesus is King—yesterday in fulfillment of prophecy, today as the risen Lord, and forever as the returning King whose kingdom will never end. This truth changes everything.

References

[1] – https://www.biblword.net/what-does-it-mean-that-jesus-is-seated-at-the-right-hand-of-god/
[2] – https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/seated-at-gods-right-hand
[3] – https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-return-of-christ/
[4] – https://www.gotquestions.org/when-Jesus-returns.html
[5] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilate%27s_court
[6] – https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/christ-the-king-2/commentary-on-john-1833-37-3
[7] – https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-Son-of-Man.html
[8] – https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/10-connections-between-jesus-and-the-kingdom-of-god/
[9] – https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-kingdom-of-god
[10] – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1985/04/the-victory-over-death?lang=eng
[11] – https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-Christ-conquered-death.html
[12] – https://www.gotquestions.org/ascension-Jesus-Christ.html
[13] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascension_of_Jesus
[14] – https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/he-sat-down-at-the-right-hand-of-majesty
[15] – https://www.gotquestions.org/right-hand-God.html
[16] – https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/glorious-sovereignty-jesus-christ/
[17] – https://www.placefortruth.org/blog/sovereignty-and-salvation
[18] – https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_christ.htm
[19] – https://www.gotquestions.org/King-of-kings-Lord-of-lords.html
[20] – https://www.gotquestions.org/kingdom-of-God.html
[21] – https://outreachmagazine.com/resources/81374-the-eternal-kingdom.html
[22] – https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_eternal_nature_of_christ’s_reign.htm
[23] – https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2000/06July/the-significance-of-the-second-coming
[24] – https://billygrahamlibrary.org/blog-5-things-the-bible-says-about-jesus-return/
[25] – https://www.moodybible.org/beliefs/second-coming/
[26] – https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-important-should-the-study-of-jesus-second-coming-be-to-us
[27] – https://rts.edu/resources/how-does-the-second-coming-change-how-we-live-now/