A Monarch Like No Other

The significance of Jesus’ claim to Kingship may be missed by modern democratic thinkers. To catch the full significance, we must embrace the claim from the perspective of the ancient near east audience. I am King equated with absolute monarchy. A King would have had complete and thorough authority. He owned the land, the resources, and the people. Living under a monarch meant living at the will of the king. As we consider this claim for our current lives, two questions come to mind; What kind of King is Jesus? How should I respond to his claim? Jesus’s track record showed he had/has the authority to claim Kingship. He was sent by the Father. He has power over nature, illnesses, and spiritual forces. He healed the sick. He cured the lame. He did what no human can do. He also showed he was a humble king. He showed love. He extended forgiveness. He released those who were bound. He gave hope to the hopeless. He showed he is a good king. Yet, his kingship was rejected. Today we too have the same choice. Will we accept or reject Jesus as King?