JESUS, CHRIST THE KING
There are several references to the kingship of Jesus in the Bible:
At the time of annunciation, Angel Gabriel told Mary, “the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Lk 1:32-33).
Jesus preached that the kingdom of God was at hand (Mt 4:17, Mk 1:14-15, Lk 4:43, 11:20).
Nathanael acknowledged Jesus, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel” (Jn 1:49).
Matthew quoting from Zechariah 9:9 reported that the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was the fulfillment of a prophesy: “Behold, your king is coming to you.” (Mt 21:5). People welcomed him, saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” (Mt 21:9).
The accusation the Jews brought to Pilate against Jesus was that he claimed to be the king of Jews because they knew it would irritate the Roman governor. That was why Pilate questioned Jesus, asking, “Are You the King of the Jews?” to which he answered: “It is as you say” (Mt 27:11, Mk 15:2, Lk 23:3). Jesus clarified to Pilate saying, “My kingdom does not belong to this world” (Jn 18:36).
The soldiers of Pilate mocked Jesus based on the accusation against Jesus’ claiming as a temporal king. “Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” (Mt 27:29).
The inscription Pilate placed on the cross of Jesus was: “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews” (Jn 19:19).
REFLECTION
Though Jesus is the king, he taught us the servant leadership. As his followers, we are called to lead others along with us through our sacrificial service. Let us surrender to the leadership and guidance of Jesus, our King and savior.