Jesus being referred to as the “King of the Jews” has significant meaning and implications. Here is an in-depth look at what the Bible teaches about this title for Jesus:
Old Testament Prophecies
The idea of a coming king or messiah started early in the Old Testament. God promised Abraham that kings would come from his line (Genesis 17:6). Later, Jacob prophesied that the messianic king would come through the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10).
As Israel’s history progressed, the prophets began to paint a clearer picture of this coming king:
– Isaiah 9:6-7 calls him “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” and says “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”
– Jeremiah 23:5 says he will be a righteous Branch raised up for David, and “he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.”
– Zechariah 9:9 prophecies the king coming humbly and justly on a donkey.
So strong Old Testament prophecies and expectations had developed for a coming king from the line of David who would reign righteously.
Jesus Arrives on the Scene
When Jesus began his public ministry, he quickly began attracting attention through miraculous signs, authoritative teaching, and the claim that the kingdom of God had arrived. Large crowds started following him, hoping he was the long-awaited king.
After Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people, the crowds were ready to forcefully make him king (John 6:15). When he entered Jerusalem on a donkey to celebrate Passover, the crowds shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). Clearly they equated Jesus with the promised royal messiah.
Tension with the Religious Leaders
The Jewish religious leaders increasingly saw Jesus’ growing popularity and messianic claims as a threat. After Jesus affirmed that he was the divine Son of God, the high priest declared it blasphemy and rushed to condemn him to death for claiming equality with God (Mark 14:61-65).
The inscription above Jesus on the cross declared his alleged crime: “The King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38). The religious leaders mocked this title, demanding that Pilate change the wording (John 19:21). But the title stuck, communicating Jesus’ who he really was – the king and messiah they rejected.
Jesus Affirmed the Title
While Jesus didn’t go around overtly claiming the title “King of the Jews,” he affirmed it when asked directly and wove it into his teaching.
When Pilate asked if he was the King of the Jews, Jesus responded “You have said so” (Mark 15:2). Before the Sanhedrin trial he boldly declared, “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62) – an obvious messianic claim.
In his parables, Jesus often featured himself as a king (Matt. 22:2; 25:34; Luke 19:12). And he taught extensively about the Kingdom of God arriving through his life and ministry (Mark 1:15; Luke 17:20-21).
So while Jesus was careful to shape expectations of his messianic reign, he willingly accepted the title King of the Jews.
His Crucifixion Fulfilled Prophecy
Beyond the obvious irony and tragedy in the King of the Jews being crucified, this event actually fulfilled clear prophecy. Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 both describe the Messiah being killed among wicked men and pierced through for transgressions.
Jesus knew his rejection and death was necessary to provide salvation (Luke 24:25-27,44-46). The Jewish leaders accomplished God’s plan in condemning Jesus, even while fulfilling their own purposes.
Kingship Fully Revealed at the Second Coming
At his first coming, Jesus ushered in the kingdom of God spiritually in human hearts. But the Old Testament prophecies talked about the Messiah physically reigning over Israel in righteousness and justice. Jesus spoke of this future physical kingdom in parables and teachings (Matt. 19:28; 25:31-46).
The book of Revelation shows Jesus returning as King of kings and Lord of lords to defeat evil, judge the world in righteousness, and establish his kingdom on earth for 1,000 years (Rev. 19:11-20:6). Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as King (Phil. 2:10-11).
So the Jewish leaders’ accusation and Pilate’s inscription were true – Jesus is the King of the Jews. While his kingship is spiritual today, Jesus will return to fulfill the prophecies of the all-powerful messianic king ruling the world in righteousness and peace.
Implications for Us Today
The Bible teaches that Jesus is not just the King of the Jews, but the cosmic King over all peoples and nations. What are the implications of that for us today?
We Must Submit to Him as King
We can’t merely call Jesus “King” and continue living however we want. True kings demand obedience and alignment from their subjects. Paul said God has now “commanded all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed” – Jesus (Acts 17:30-31).
To be ready for his return and kingdom, we must submit every area of our lives to him as King now.
We Must Spread the News of the King
Ancient kings would send messengers throughout their realms to spread news of important decrees (see Esther 3:12-14). As subjects of King Jesus, we are called to help spread the news of his coming righteous kingdom to the world (Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
There is urgency to let all nations and peoples know they must submit to the coming King.
We Find Protection Under His Reign
The Bible often speaks of God as hiding and protecting his people “in the shadow of his wings” (Ruth 2:12; Ps 17:8, 36:7, 57:1). As subjects of King Jesus, we have the assurance of living securely under his reign and protection, even amidst temporary world turmoil.
We Have Confidence in His Sovereign Rule
Unlike earthly kings, Jesus has supreme authority over every world event and circumstance. As King, he sits on the throne of the universe, ruling and working all things according to his purposes. This gives us great confidence that nothing can happen without his permission (Rom 8:28).
No army, government, ruler or court can stop King Jesus from accomplishing his perfect plans. His kingdom will certainly come in its completion.
In summary, acknowledging Jesus as the true King of the Jews and the world changes everything about how we live. We must submit fully, spread the word dutifully, find protection securely, and have confidence completely in his sovereign reign. One day Jesus will return to fully establish his righteous rule over all the earth!