What a King!
While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’
“But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’
“He was made king, however, and returned home.” – Luke 19:12-15a, NIV
“…the person who enters the city does not do so in order to claim kingship; rather, entry presupposes an already achieved victory. This is important because it suggests that Jesus is not about to assert his royal status. This accords well with his acclamation as king even before his birth…What Luke is about to narrate, then, assumes the portrait of Jesus already established, with its soteriological emphasis on good news to those living on the margins of acceptable society.” -Joel B. Green
Palm Sunday is yet another example of the help we receive in heeding the rhythms of the liturgical calendar. Here, each year, we are given the opportunity to consider the Kingship of Jesus. His royal status often takes a back seat in our theological and practical understanding of His personage and work. It is to our detriment though to forget or put to the back the reality that Jesus is King. Jesus is King and what a King He is! How wonderful to think on His Kingship. How practically helpful to us. In matters of obedience to Jesus, His royal status makes clear what we otherwise muddle. The commands of Jesus are not the mere suggestions of a dear friend, they are royal edicts which are either obeyed or severe consequences follow (see Luke 19:22-27). The rule and reign of Jesus are not in question or doubt. He is King. He will be forever King. We need not fret about the other “powers that be” or what they might plan or scheme to do. His plan is going to come to be. His power and authority stand unrivaled by any power among men or spiritual beings. As such, we can trust every promise of His. As such, we can trust Him. In every circumstance, Jesus is King. In every age of human history, Jesus is King. On our best day, Jesus is King. On our worst day, Jesus is King. He is not nervous about being overthrown or usurped. His is the absolute and final word in every matter of the past, the present and the future. He is King. Let’s not forget that incredible, shaping reality.
Questions for life application and further discussion:
What is a helpful way to keep Jesus’ Kingship in mind on a day-to-day basis?
Is there an area of life where you need to more deeply apply the implications of Jesus’ Kingship?
As you reflect on your story, how have you seen Jesus the King exerting His power and authority on your behalf?
When and how will you invest the treasure entrusted to you by King Jesus?
How will you relate to those who oppose Jesus and His rule and reign?
Who do you need to pray for that they might understand and gladly submit to Jesus as King?
That’s My King!
Dr. S.M. Lockridge’s sermon, That’s My King has been such an amazing gift to me. I would encourage you to take time to listen to it this week.
Best (if you have an hour to invest): Here is the full sermon as it was preached.
Better (if you have 10 minutes to invest): This begins with the part specifically about, my King. You can stop at 1:00:54.
Good (if you have 3 minutes to invest) : Here is an even shorter version of the message with music/images.