The title “King of kings and Lord of lords” is used to describe Jesus Christ several times in Scripture. This title signifies His supreme authority and sovereignty over all other rulers and authorities, both earthly and spiritual. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this title in more detail:
1. It highlights Christ’s reign over all earthly authorities
In calling Jesus the “King of kings,” Scripture acknowledges that there are other kings and rulers on earth. However, Jesus surpasses them all and reigns supreme over every earthly authority. As Revelation 19:16 declares, “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” This points to Jesus’ universal kingship over all other earthly kings and governing rulers.
Jesus confirmed this truth about His authority when He told Pilate, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). Though Pilate was a powerful Roman governor, even he was subject to the higher kingship of Christ. The same is true for all earthly rulers – their power and authority is delegated by God, and they are ultimately under the authority of King Jesus.
Furthermore, 1 Timothy 6:15 affirms that Jesus is “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” This reiterates that no earthly ruler can claim absolute sovereignty, because that position belongs to Christ alone. All other kings and governing authorities rank under His supreme kingship.
2. It affirms Christ’s authority over all spiritual powers
In Scripture, the term “king” can also refer to spiritual beings and authorities, not just earthly rulers. For example, the “Prince of the kingdom of Persia” that opposed the angel Gabriel was most likely a powerful demonic being that ruled over the kingdom of Persia (Daniel 10:13).
So when Jesus is called “King of kings,” it affirms that even the highest ranking spiritual authorities are subject to Him. Passages like Ephesians 1:20-21 and Colossians 2:10 specifically declare that Christ rules over every spiritual power, authority, and dominion. He reigns supreme over Satan himself and the entire hierarchy of demonic beings.
As the King of kings, Jesus possesses absolute authority to subjugate any adversarial spiritual force under His feet. No spiritual ruler can oppose or thwart the sovereign reign of King Jesus. This offers great comfort and confidence to believers, who know that the spiritual forces of evil are powerless compared to the supreme authority of Christ.
3. It signifies the political and spiritual dimensions of Christ’s kingdom
By bringing together the titles “King of kings” and “Lord of lords,” Scripture highlights how Jesus’ kingdom incorporates both political and spiritual dimensions. Calling Him “King of kings” draws attention to His reign over earthly authorities, while ascribing “Lord of lords” affirms His sovereignty over angelic and spiritual powers.
Jesus confirmed this dual nature of His kingdom in statements like John 18:36: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting.” Though His kingdom originates in the heavenly, spiritual realm, the political impact of Christ’s reign will one day transform the kingdoms of the world (Revelation 11:15).
So Scripture presents Jesus as the royal head of both a spiritual kingdom and an earthly, political kingdom that will one day bring all human kingdoms into perfect alignment with God’s righteous rule. He is King over both realms.
4. It points to the comprehensive scope of Christ’s reign
By emphasizing Jesus’ authority over earthly rulers and spiritual powers, the title “King of kings and Lord of lords”underscores the comprehensive scope of His reign. His kingdom impacts every sphere and dimension of creation.
As Paul declared in Philippians 2:10-11, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Nothing in all creation is exempt from bowing the knee to the sovereign rule of King Jesus.
And this universal reign of Christ will be openly manifested when He returns. Revelation 19:11-16 depicts Jesus returning on a white horse as the triumphant King of kings and Lord of lords, exercising judging authority over the nations and striking down the forces of evil. All creation will witness and acknowledge His supreme royal position.
5. It conveys Jesus’ exclusive claim to absolute sovereignty
Scripture reserves the title “King of kings and Lord of lords” specifically for the risen Christ. This highlights the exclusive nature of His claim to absolute sovereignty. Jesus does not share His supreme authority as the highest King and Lord.
In Revelation 17:14, the title is directly contrasted with “false kings of the earth.” And in Revelation 19:16, no name except “King of kings and Lord of lords” is written on Jesus’ thigh, emphasizing the singularity of His supreme dominion. All pretenders to His throne will be overthrown.
Hence, Scripture leaves no room for any competing claim to supreme cosmic authority. Jesus alone rightfully wears the crown of the King who trumps all other kings, and wields the scepter of the Lord before whom every other lord must bow. His sovereignty is peerless.
6. It evokes worship and surrender to Christ’s authority
The royal title “King of kings and Lord of lords” highlights Christ’s worthiness to receive worship as the supreme ruler over all. Because Jesus reigns supreme over every sphere of authority, He deserves our awestruck praise and wholehearted obedience.
Revelation 17:14 connects worship directly with Jesus’ title as “Lord of lords and King of kings.” And in Revelation 19:16, immediately after Jesus is depicted bearing this title, heaven rings with praise, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.”
Similarly, in 1 Timothy 6:15, ascribing absolute sovereignty to Christ prompts the response, “To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” The fitting reaction is to ascribe everlasting glory, honor, and submission to the reign of the exalted King.
As His subjects, we owe Jesus our comprehensive obedience and adoration in response to the unrivaled authority signified by the title “King of kings and Lord of lords.” His sovereign reign demands nothing less.
7. It provides assurance of Christ’s final victory
Jesus’ title as the supreme King and Lord points to the definitive nature of His coming victory. Because His reign encompasses all other authorities, no enemy can impede the advancement of His kingdom or circumvent His triumph.
1 Timothy 6:15 connects Jesus’ status as “King of kings and Lord of lords” with the promise that “in his own time he will show who is the blessed and only Sovereign.” His comprehensive reign guarantees His final defeating of all God’s enemies.
Likewise, in Revelation 17:14 and 19:16, Jesus bearing the title “King of kings and Lord of lords” is directly linked to the overthrow of the beast, the false prophet, and the forces of evil. As the highest authority, Jesus will decisively consummate His kingdom by conquering all foes.
Believers can take courage from the assurance that the risen Christ will prevail over every adversary. No earthly or spiritual power can frustrate the purposes of the King of kings who is sovereign over all.
8. It calls for reverent awe and wonder
The royal title reserved solely for the exalted Christ evokes a sense of reverent awe and worshipful wonder at His surpassing greatness. The Son of God who took on human flesh to die for sinners is now crowned with supreme cosmic authority – what an amazing, humbling truth!
As we reflect on Jesus being elevated to the position of greatest eminence over all powers and rulers, our only fitting response is to fall on our faces with joyful adoration. His peerless sovereignty should leave us breathless in worshipful marveling at His exalted identity as the King of kings.
In a world filled with many voices seeking our allegiance, the knowledge that Jesus reigns over all authorities as the one true King should profoundly shape our perspective. We can live with holy fear and delight because our King is supreme over every challenge we face.
9. It means Jesus cares about every detail of our lives
Not only does Jesus’ position as King of kings signify His cosmic authority, it also reveals His intimate awareness of and concern for the personal details of our lives. If Jesus were only a distant, heavenly King, we might question how engaged He is with our day-to-day struggles and joys.
But Scripture makes clear that our King is not detached or remote; Hebrews 4:15-16 declares, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Jesus’ care for us is amplified by the fact that He chosen to share in our humanity and weaknesses. Though exalted in majesty, He is still intimately acquainted with our lives. We can have full confidence that Jesus listens to and responds compassionately to our cries for help – both globally as King of all kings and locally as our High Priest and friend.
10. It demands our trust and obedience in every area of life
Because Jesus is King over every earthly and spiritual authority, His reign leaves no area of life outside His jurisdiction. To confess “Jesus is Lord” requires surrendering every dimension of our lives to His supreme kingship.
Areas such as our use of money, time, abilities, and relationships come under the umbrella of Christ’s absolute authority. So do our plans, priorities, work, entertainment, and civic responsibilities. Inviting Jesus to be King means granting Him practical, comprehensive rule in our lives.
Trusting Christ’s sovereign reign also means adhering to His ways rather than the world’s ways of doing things. The values and ethics of His kingdom should shape our thoughts, words, and actions. His words override all other voices guiding our choices and conduct.
Every aspect of life belongs to our King. Therefore, we honor Him by living as stewards and representatives of His kingdom each day, wherever we go and whatever we do.
Conclusion
The royal title reserved for Jesus – King of kings and Lord of lords – highlights His peerless sovereignty over all other authorities, both earthly and spiritual. This title affirms the comprehensive scope of Christ’s reign, as well as its definitive nature and final victory. It rightfully evokes our worship and demands our full trust and obedience.
Recognizing that Jesus alone holds absolute power should profoundly shape our perspective in a world filled with many competing voices. No matter what we face, our King of kings cares for us and wields supreme authority. His sovereign reign guarantees that nothing can shake His purposes for our lives. How amazing that the cosmic Christ chooses to exercise His matchless authority by filling us with His peace and strength for each day!