Is Jesus the King?

It’s Easter time again. As I write this, the kids are dying their Easter eggs in the kitchen. Hopefully we will make some resurrection cookies  or resurrection rolls soon, too. I especially love Easter traditions that help our family turn our thoughts toward the true meaning of Easter.

This year, my Easter thoughts have been about Jesus being the King. King Jesus. I’ve been thinking about how the wise men brought him gold when he was an infant because he was a king. Also, later Jesus was mocked as king. He was even hung on a cross with a placard declaring him as king of the Jews, and the Bible says that he’s coming again as the king of all kings.

A few weeks ago, my pastor said this:

He went on to ask us three questions. I’ve really been thinking about them this week. I invite you to ponder them, too.

1 .Do I recognize the King in my life?

Most of the people who lived at the time of Jesus did not believe that he was a king. Would I have recognized him then? More importantly, do I recognize his as a king now in my own life. Do I really believe that he should have full reign in my life? Jesus is my savior, and he is my friend, but do I allow him to be king as well?

John 18:37 Therefore Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea) said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king.For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

2 Do I acknowledge the holiness of this king?

Jesus was innocent, not guilty, and faultless. Even Pilate (the ruler who allowed him to be crucified) and his wife knew that Jesus was faultless. Luke 23:4 records this, “Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no guilt in this man.'”

and Matthew 27:19 says “while he (PIlate) was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” (Isn’t that an obscure and interesting fact about the death of Jesus? Had you ever read that before?) 

This passage also shows us that Jesus was perfect: I Peter 2:22-24: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

3. Do I see this king as the one who took my place?

I deserve death on a cross for my sins. I deserve eternal separation from a holy God because of my sins. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

But King Jesus died to take away MY sins.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed.

I Peter 2:23-14  When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.  “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

That’s good news! King Jesus took my place of punishment, and he wants to rule my life in love. That’s the Easter message! Happy Easter!

A song that I am really treasuring right now is “Royal Blood” by Rend Collective. It captures that Jesus is royalty and that his blood washed away my sin.

***I’ve included the lyrics below, in case you’d like to read along while listening. :)***

What can wash away my sin?
What can make me whole again?
What can make me white as snow?
Nothing but Your royal blood

What can heal the heart of stone?
What can resurrect these bones?
There’s no other fount I know
Nothing but Your royal blood
Nothing but Your royal blood

Your blood will never lose its power
Your blood will never lose
Your victory will stand forever
Your blood will never lose

This was won upon the cross
This was written on his scars
This has made us conquerors
Nothing but Your royal blood
Nothing but Your royal blood

(Chorus)
Your blood will never lose its power
Your blood will never lose
Your victory will stand forever
Your blood will never lose

Now by this we’ll overcome
Now by this we’ll reach our home
Now our sin and shame are gone
Only by Your royal blood

Now by this we’ll overcome
Now by this we’ll reach our home
Now our sin and shame are gone
Only by Your royal blood
Only by Your royal blood
(Chorus)