Why is Jesus referred to as the King of Kings?

The title "King of Kings" attributed to Jesus is profoundly significant within Christian theology, encapsulating the essence of His divine authority, sovereignty, and preeminence over all earthly and heavenly realms. This title is not merely an honorific but a declaration of His ultimate supremacy and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through history. To understand why Jesus is referred to as the "King of Kings," we must delve into biblical texts, historical contexts, and theological interpretations that illuminate this majestic designation.

The phrase "King of Kings" appears explicitly in the New Testament, notably in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 17:14, it is declared, "They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." Again, in Revelation 19:16, it is written, "On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords." These passages vividly portray Jesus as the ultimate victor and sovereign ruler, underscoring His authority over all other powers.

The title "King of Kings" signifies Jesus' unparalleled authority. In the ancient Near East, the term "king of kings" was used to describe a monarch who ruled over other kings, indicating a hierarchy where the "king of kings" held the highest position of power. By referring to Jesus in this manner, the New Testament authors affirm that Jesus' reign is supreme over all earthly rulers and principalities. This echoes the Old Testament prophecy found in Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is described as an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Jesus' kingship is not merely political or territorial but spiritual and eternal. Unlike earthly kings whose reigns are temporal and often marred by imperfection, Jesus' kingship is characterized by righteousness, justice, and peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 prophesies about the coming Messiah, saying, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."

The New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of this Davidic kingship. In Luke 1:32-33, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that her son Jesus "will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." This messianic kingship fulfills the covenant promises made to David and extends them to an eternal dimension, emphasizing that Jesus' reign transcends time and space.

Moreover, Jesus' kingship is intimately connected with His role as the suffering servant and the victorious redeemer. The paradox of the cross reveals the depth of His kingship. Philippians 2:6-11 describes how Jesus, though being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Instead, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant and becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This exaltation of Jesus post-resurrection affirms His kingship. His victory over sin and death through His death and resurrection establishes Him as the King of Kings. Colossians 1:13-20 beautifully encapsulates this truth, stating that God "has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

The kingship of Jesus is also manifest in His role as the head of the Church. Ephesians 1:22-23 states that God "placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." As the head of the Church, Jesus governs and guides His followers, ensuring that His kingdom principles of love, grace, and truth are lived out in the community of believers.

Furthermore, Jesus' kingship has eschatological implications. Christians anticipate the consummation of His kingdom at His second coming. Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.'" This future hope sustains believers, affirming that ultimately, Jesus will establish His perfect rule and justice, eradicating all evil and suffering.

In addition to biblical texts, Christian tradition and literature have also emphasized Jesus' kingship. The Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian faith formulated in the fourth century, affirms Jesus' divine kingship, stating that He "shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end." This creed reflects the early Church's recognition of Jesus' sovereign rule and its expectation of His return to fully establish His kingdom.

In summary, Jesus is referred to as the "King of Kings" because He embodies the ultimate authority, sovereignty, and preeminence over all creation. His kingship is rooted in Old Testament prophecy, fulfilled in His life, death, and resurrection, and affirmed in New Testament writings. It transcends earthly political structures, encompassing a spiritual and eternal dimension characterized by righteousness, justice, and peace. Jesus' kingship is also central to Christian hope, as believers await the full realization of His kingdom at His second coming. This title, therefore, encapsulates the profound truth of Jesus' divine identity and His redemptive mission, calling all to recognize and submit to His supreme authority.