“Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.” Revelation 1:5
In Jesus’ day, he fulfilled every expectation of the Messiah except the one Israel desired most: he never ruled over an earthly kingdom government (compare Luke 4:18 to Isaiah 61:1–2 and note the conspicuous omission).
We’re still waiting on the fulfillment of this promise in our day, but ironically his kingly destiny and abilities have become at best an afterthought. Even in the secular realm, people will acknowledge Jesus as Prophet (“He’s a good teacher”) and Jesus as Priest (“He’s a good person”). But Jesus as King is largely ignored.
This is a huge loss. When leaders and members within the church lose sight of Jesus as King, we miss out on important gifts that could be used to build up the kingdom. Here are just some of the ways Jesus demonstrates his authority as the perfect kingly leader:
1. Jesus builds the church and empowers leaders (Matthew 16:18–19)
Jesus states, “I will build my church,” but the effort is hardly unilateral. He could have done it himself, but instead he empowers his disciples to accomplish this task. The precise meaning of this passage may be obscure, but Jesus is clearly delegating authority, trust, and responsibility, challenging Peter to lead others. This is not because Peter has it all figured out (as we see just a few verses later), but because Jesus is humble, Jesus cares about Peter and wants to see him grow, and Jesus loves the church.
2. Jesus organizes and trains people (Luke 10:1–20)
When Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to spread the good news of the kingdom, he meets with them before and after their trip. He builds a system (10:1), he casts a big vision (10:2), he offers clear instruction (10:4–11), and he is honest with them about what to expect: “I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” When their trip is over, he takes the time to debrief, which includes both encouragement and correction (10:17–20).
3. Jesus brings stability (Mark 4:35–41)
A storm overtakes the disciples and Jesus while they’re out on the water, and we see a major contrast between their response and his response to the disaster. Although Jesus accomplishes something no mortal leader could ever pull off—controlling the weather—the stability he offers to his followers in their moment of fear is not signs and wonders, but faith. Jesus’ grace under fire doesn’t proceed from belief in his own ability to control the situation, but from a relationship with his Father and a dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Those of us in administrative roles reflect the image and lordship of our God as we go about our work. Our gifts are no less holy or godly or necessary than those of the preacher or the counselor.
More important, however, is the fact that Jesus is a greater King than we’ll ever be. He’s worthy of not just our respect, but our service. Whatever empire we as business kings or real estate kings or political kings can build on our own, it will never compare to what we can accomplish when we submit our abilities and our resources to the King over all.
We need Jesus the Prophet to know truth. We need Jesus the Priest to forgive our sins. But one day, all truth will be revealed, all sin will be cast off, and the kingdom will remain. There we will worship our good King Jesus forever.
