It's Critical Jesus Be Recognized King of the Jews

From the wise men who came seeking Jesus to Pilate who presided over His trial, Jesus was the King of the Jews.  Yet, as Herod, upon Jesus’ birth, and all those in ruling authority, from Temple authorities to representatives of the Roman Empire at Jesus’ death, reject His kingship over the Jews, so does much of the Church to this day!

This issue of “kingship” is of critical concern for all mankind, but to the Jews in particular.  Concern about it prompted the very last question Jesus’ disciples asked Him before His ascension, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel” (Biblical Book of Acts, Chpt. 1, verse 6)?

If Jesus were ever going to rebuke the disciples for a too narrow, parochial view, this would have been the time to do so, instead “. . .He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority’” (Book of Acts, Chpt. 1, verse 7).

Here’s what’s critical about Jesus’ kingship over the Jews:  Groups of Christians who do not acknowledge Jesus’ current Kingship over the Jews, claim His kingship for themselves with the result they build walls about their group excluding all others.  This is exactly what the people of Israel had mistakenly done for most of their existence prior to the coming of Jesus.  Isaiah was warning the Jews against a narrow parochialism when he declared, speaking for the Lord, “. . .For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Biblical Book of Isaiah, Chpt.56,  verse 7b).

To rightly acknowledge Jesus as the King of the Jews is to recognize His authority over all peoples.