JESUS IS THE KING OF KINGS AND GOD

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

Throughout the biblical canon, Jesus Christ is exalted not merely as a great teacher or prophet, but as the King of kings and Lord of lords. His identity transcends earthly authority, reaching into the eternal and divine. The testimony of both the Old and New Testaments consistently affirms that Jesus is not only sovereign ruler over all creation but also God Himself, co-equal with the Father and the Spirit. In a world captivated by transient pleasures and unstable powers, the Christian is called to focus on Christ’s eternal reign, grounding faith and practice in the unshakable reality of His divine kingship.

The Biblical Basis of Jesus’ Kingship

The title King of kings first appears in the Old Testament in reference to God’s absolute sovereignty (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 95:3). This title is later applied directly to Christ in the New Testament. In Revelation 17:14, the Lamb (Christ) is portrayed as the ultimate victor, for “He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful.” Similarly, in Revelation 19:16, Christ is depicted with His name inscribed: “King of kings and Lord of lords.” These passages firmly establish Jesus’ supremacy above every ruler, dominion, and power.

Daniel’s prophetic vision also anticipates Christ’s eternal kingship: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14). The Son of Man to whom this eternal reign is given is identified in the New Testament as none other than Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew 26:64). Thus, Scripture consistently testifies that the kingship of Jesus is not symbolic but eternal and universal.

Jesus as God and King

Beyond kingship, the Bible explicitly affirms Jesus as God. John’s Gospel opens with a profound declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14). The divinity of Christ is inseparable from His kingship. Only because He is God can His rule be eternal, unchallenged, and just.

The Apostle Paul likewise identifies Christ with divine attributes: “For in Him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9). In Philippians 2:9–11, Paul explains that God has exalted Jesus to the highest place, bestowing on Him the name above every name so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” The confession “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9) is not a mere acknowledgment of authority but a recognition of His divine sovereignty.

The Kingdom of God and Human Longing

Romans 14:17 reminds believers that “the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This profound statement distinguishes the eternal kingdom of Christ from the fleeting satisfactions of the fallen world. Human beings often cling to material possessions and temporary pleasures, but such pursuits cannot satisfy the eternal longing of the soul. Christ, the divine King, calls His followers to release their grip on temporal things and seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Theological Implications

Acknowledging Jesus as both King of kings and God reshapes the Christian worldview in at least three ways:

1. Christocentric Worship: Worship is directed not toward worldly leaders or idols but toward Christ, who alone is worthy of honor, glory, and power (Revelation 5:12–13).

2. Christian Ethics: Believers are called to live under Christ’s rule, pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy rather than worldly ambitions.

3. Eschatological Hope: Christ’s eternal reign assures believers of the final triumph of good over evil. His return will consummate history, vindicating the faithful and establishing His everlasting kingdom.

Conclusion

The world is passing away with its desires (1 John 2:17), but the kingship of Christ endures forever. Jesus is both King of kings and God, the eternal ruler who alone satisfies the deepest longings of humanity. To focus on Him, to immerse oneself in Scripture, and to walk in prayerful communion is to participate in the kingdom that cannot be shaken. All glory and honor belong to Christ, for He reigns now and forever.

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References

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version.

• Augustine, City of God.

• Athanasius, On the Incarnation.

• Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion.

• Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

• N. T. Wright. Jesus and the Victory of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.

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Bibliography

Athanasius. On the Incarnation. Translated by John Behr. Yonkers, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2011.

Augustine. The City of God. Translated by Henry Bettenson. London: Penguin Classics, 2003.

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Edited by John T. McNeill. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1960.

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996.

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