The King of Kings

The King of Kings

Introduction
Our world often misunderstands Jesus and His kingdom. Scripture gives clarity. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals an eternal plan: the Messiah would come, receive a kingdom, reign at the Father’s right hand, and return in glory. This lesson traces that plan through God’s promises and their fulfillment.

The King Is Coming
Very early in Scripture, God promised royalty in Abraham’s line: “I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you” (Genesis 17:6). The promise narrows to Judah: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah… until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples” (Genesis 49:10). The Psalms announce the King’s enthronement and sonship: “I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion… You are My Son… Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations” (Psalm 2:6–8). Isaiah declares a royal child who bears divine names and sits on David’s throne forever (Isaiah 9:6–7). Daniel foresees a kingdom established by the God of heaven during the days of earthly empires, a kingdom that stands forever (Daniel 2:44).

The King Arrives
Gabriel tells Mary that her child will receive “the throne of His father David,” will reign over Jacob’s house forever, and His kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:31–33). Wise men seek the One “born King of the Jews,” and Scripture identifies Bethlehem as His royal birthplace (Matthew 2:1–6). As Jesus enters Jerusalem, disciples proclaim, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 19:36–40). Even a thief at the cross recognizes Jesus’ kingship and kingdom (Luke 23:42). The promised King has come.

The King Is Crowned
Daniel sees “One like the Son of Man” presented before the Ancient of Days and receiving dominion, glory, and a kingdom that shall not pass away (Daniel 7:13–14). Peter preaches that this vision is realized through the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. God raised Him up, exalted Him to His right hand, and seated Him on the promised throne (Acts 2:30–36). The writer of Hebrews cites Psalm 45 to affirm the Son’s royal scepter and everlasting throne (Hebrews 1:8–9; Psalm 45:6–7). The crucified and risen Jesus reigns now at the right hand of God.

The King Reigns Until the End
Paul teaches that the reigning Christ will continue His rule until every enemy is placed under His feet and death is destroyed. Then He delivers the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24–26). Revelation calls Jesus “the ruler of the kings of the earth” and promises His visible return (Revelation 1:5–7). All will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due (2 Corinthians 5:10). John sees the great white throne, the opened books, and the book of life (Revelation 20:11–12). The Lord will descend with a shout, and the dead in Christ will rise; the faithful will meet Him in the air and be with Him always (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Entrance is by new birth—of water and the Spirit (John 3:3–5). In the New Jerusalem, God’s servants behold His face and reign with the Lamb forever and ever (Revelation 22:3–5).

Conclusion
Scripture gives a unified testimony: the King was promised, the King arrived, the King was crowned, and the King will return. His kingdom is present, spiritual, and everlasting. His call summons all people to enter by the gospel and live in faithfulness as citizens of His reign.

The King of Kings Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: God’s eternal purpose reveals the Messiah’s kingship.

• The King Is Coming: Genesis 17:6; Genesis 49:10; Psalm 2:6–8; Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 2:44.

• The King Arrives: Luke 1:31–33; Matthew 2:1–6; Luke 19:36–40; Luke 23:42.

• The King Is Crowned: Daniel 7:13–14; Acts 2:30–36; Hebrews 1:8–9; Psalm 45:6–7.

• The King Reigns Until the End: 1 Corinthians 15:24–26; Revelation 1:5–7; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11–12; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; John 18:36; John 3:3–5; Revelation 22:3–5.

• Conclusion: Enter and live within the King’s everlasting kingdom.

Call to Action
The King has come, received His throne, and will return. Enter His kingdom through the new birth, confess His name, repent of sin, and be baptized into Christ. Live as a loyal citizen—holy in conduct, steadfast in hope, devoted to service—so that when He appears you may rejoice at His coming.

Key Takeaways

• God promised a royal line culminating in the Messiah (Genesis 17:6; Genesis 49:10).

• The prophets announced an eternal throne on David’s line (Psalm 2:6–8; Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 2:44).

• Jesus arrived and was openly recognized as King (Luke 1:31–33; Matthew 2:1–6; Luke 19:36–40).

• The resurrection and ascension placed Him on the promised throne (Daniel 7:13–14; Acts 2:30–36; Hebrews 1:8–9).

• Christ reigns until death is abolished and then returns in glory (1 Corinthians 15:24–26; Revelation 1:5–7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).

• Entrance into His kingdom is spiritual, through new birth (John 18:36; John 3:3–5).

• The faithful will see His face and reign forever (Revelation 22:3–5).

Scripture Reference List

• Genesis 17:6: Promise of kings from Abraham.

• Genesis 49:10: Judah’s scepter and universal obedience.

• Psalm 2:6–8: Enthronement and inheritance of the nations.

• Isaiah 9:6–7: Davidic throne, divine titles, endless government.

• Daniel 2:44: Indestructible kingdom established by God.

• Luke 1:31–33: Announcement of David’s throne and endless reign.

• Matthew 2:1–6: Wise men seek the newborn King; Bethlehem prophecy.

• Luke 19:36–40: Royal acclamation in Jerusalem.

• Luke 23:42: The thief’s appeal regarding the kingdom.

• Daniel 7:13–14: Son of Man receives everlasting dominion.

• Acts 2:30–36: Resurrection, exaltation, and present reign of Christ.

• Hebrews 1:8–9; Psalm 45:6–7: The Son’s eternal throne and righteous scepter.

• 1 Corinthians 15:24–26: Reign until all enemies, including death, are subdued.

• Revelation 1:5–7: Ruler of kings; visible return.

• 2 Corinthians 5:10: Judgment seat of Christ.

• Revelation 20:11–12: Great white throne and the books.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17: The Lord’s descent and gathering of the saints.

• John 18:36: Nature of the kingdom.

• John 3:3–5: New birth for entrance into the kingdom.

• Revelation 22:3–5: The servants’ eternal reign with God and the Lamb.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO