The Crucified Messiah

Jesus is called the “ Ruler of the Kings of the Earth ” in the present tense in the Book of Revelation . His sovereignty is based on his past Death and Resurrection, not military conquest. Though at times the “ Kings of the Earth ” do Satan’s bidding, the slain “ Lamb ” even uses their plots to achieve his redemptive purposes for humanity.

The Book of Revelation assures the beleaguered congregations of Asia that Jesus reigns and has events firmly in hand despite appearances and the hostility from their neighbors and even local governments. His sovereignty is based on his past death and resurrection, and the latter marked the commencement of his reign from the messianic Throne at the center of the Cosmos.

The New Testament links the enthronement of Jesus to his death, resurrection, and ascension by applying key messianic texts from the Hebrew Scriptures to him. He qualified to rule over all things because of his faithful “ obedience unto death .” God Himself confirmed his Messianic status and vindicated his obedience by raising him from the dead and enthroning him. Not only did He resurrect the Nazarene, but He also seated him “ at His right hand ” where he now reigns supreme over the Cosmos.

The death and exaltation of Jesus are inextricably linked in the Book of Revelation . The Divine plan to redeem humanity and the Creation itself is unveiled in its visions, and the death, resurrection, and enthronement of the Son put this plan into action. His sovereignty is the result of his faithful obedience unto death. However, he is no tyrant. He does not subjugate his enemies through violence. Instead, he “ shepherds the nations ” and purchases men from every “ tribe and people and tongue ” through his shed blood.

Jesus has reigned as Sovereign over the Earth since his Death and Resurrection, already he is seated on the Messianic Throne. Because of his obedience, he is the “ Ruler of the Kings of the Earth .” Before his Ascension, he declared that God had bestowed all authority on him - “ In Heaven and on Earth .” Thus, his authority is without limits and a present reality.

The conspiracy by the Earth’s kings to unseat the Messiah is applied in the New Testament to the plot to destroy Jesus  – Psalm 2:1-6. The  Second Psalm  is a key passage applied to Jesus by the New Testament. When were its predictions fulfilled, and is the Messiah reigning now on David’s Throne? Is the world still waiting for his enthronement at a future date? What about the “ revolt ” of nations and kings against the Son of God? Is it a prediction of a coming war between Jesus and earthly governments -  (Psalm 2:1-6)?

The theme of fulfillment is prominent in Matthew’s gospel. In Jesus of Nazareth, the promises of God found their fulfillment and intended applications. He was the Son of God sent to redeem Israel and rule the nations. Peter, for example, confirmed that he was the “ Messiah .” Nevertheless, he failed to understand that he would undertake that role as the suffering “ Servant of Yahweh ” who came to “ bear the sins of many .” His true identity was revealed in his sacrificial act.