Jesus demonstrated His authority as the true Son of God, who now rules at the right hand of the Father.
They sat on a mountain in Galilee, worshiping. There were eleven of them in total, not including Jesus, listening to His words as He drew close. Some of the disciples had their doubts, so Jesus had to reassure them that He was a trustworthy leader. “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth,” He said (Matthew 28:18). If the disciples were going to carry out the Great Commission, teaching others what Christ taught them, they needed to know He was for real. It wouldn’t have been enough simply to spread the sayings of a wise teacher around the world.
When I’m weary of corrupt, worldly leaders and don’t know who to trust, I find so much comfort knowing Jesus is the true King with complete authority. It gives me the deepest sigh of relief. When we look to His leadership, we don’t have to worry about emotional manipulation or strategies to protect His self-image. His reign isn’t abusive or neglectful. It’s fully present and vigilant, just and merciful, all at once. He is the “King of kings and LORD of lords” who entered our world first as a servant and whose kingdom will never end (Revelation 19:16; Philippians 2:7). That’s a leader I want to follow.
Some days, I confess it’s hard to picture Jesus as my King. I’m so used to the gospel accounts, which tell the story of an everyday-looking man in street clothes, who took strolls by the Sea of Galilee and enjoyed a good plate of food. I’m so used to talking to Jesus like a close friend. Praying to Him from my bed at night, as I pour out my sorrows and joys that only He knows. When I picture our Savior enthroned with a scepter, or some other sign of royalty, I get a little intimidated. Is He really the same? The same tender presence that comforts my broken heart and welcomes my very average piano playing as an offering of worship?
The beauty of the gospel is that yes, He is. He’s both. Jesus Christ is our all-powerful King with unparalleled authority, and He’s also the risen Jewish teacher who still has scars on His hands.
What does it mean for Jesus to reign as King today—right now? Whether it feels like it or not, He is already King, and His reign is actively at work. He’s been “given dominion and glory and a kingdom” so all might know and worship Him (Daniel 7:14). But we also know that His kingdom is not fully as it will be when sin, evil, and corruption are weeded out for good. Once this happens, His reign as King will be undeniable by all. Together, we look forward with anticipation to His promised, never-ending rule and reign. I can hardly wait.
I’m reading this after reading the report on Ravi Zacharias. He was a man that helped me to see the worth that I had… yet he was ripping that out of women across the world at the same time. I admired and looked up to him, so I felt (and still feel in this struggle) that no religious leader can be trusted whatsoever. Reading the devotional along with today’s reading has given me that small bit of hope that Jesus is the ultimate leader. Ravi spoke of Jesus and lived one life of a follower of him, but lived another or pure evil. Jesus isn’t like that. Jesus is all good, fully trustworthy, and will always hold me. I really needed this today. Thank you.
I was so awe struck by today’s reading. Jesus was given dominion (controlling power) (funny how the voting machines made by company called dominion). Everything was made by him, through him, for him and he holds it all together. God was pleased to give him the name above every name. In today’s reading I can lay down all my confusion/frustration of what going on in our country and trust our God Almighty. I just want to live for the advancement of His kingdom. To honor Him and give Him all the glory
Thank you for sharing how you see Jesus sometimes, Bailey because I feel the same way, except it’s the majority of the time. I don’t oftentimes see Him as a King. He’s is a mighty King and today’s scriptures pointed to Him being one.
Praying for you and your husband Victoria. I also had a miscarriage recently after almost 2 years of trying. It hurts and it seems so unfair, but God provides peace and strength that I would not have on my own. My baby is now in Heaven with his/her creator and one day I will get to meet them. I take comfort in that as well. I pray you open you heart to God’s peace, love, and strength and allow him to get you through this.
A book that really helped me after my miscarriages was “I’ll Hold You In Heaven” by Jack W Hayford. It helped me to see God in the process and to have assurances about my lost babies mattering to Him.
Such a hard time. Praying for you in your grief, sister.
Christina I hear you! I was really doubting His goodness but as the days passed I realized I could not get through them without Him. Every time I want to rely on Him I get scared of enduring another loss but I am trying to remind myself that He works everything for good. I have to believe that or I won’t be able to make it through !
Thank you Hope. I am sorry you also went through this.
Heidi wow thank you for that. It was so moving and so powerful. I really appreciate your words and your thoughts