… and he began to teach them.
Summary: It is important to understand who it is who is teaching us the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus is more than an itinerant rabbi; he also happens to be a king.
In the Book of Revelation, John describes Jesus this way:
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19: 11-16)
In this picture of Jesus, we see all the power of a king on full display. We need to remember that Jesus is God and that he is our Creator. It is also important to remember that he is a king. And not just any king, but the KING OF KINGS.
The notion of a king involves many things: majesty, honor, and glory. But it also involves raw power. In 1 Samuel, Chapter 8, God explains the power of a human king. The three most common words in the description of a king are “…he will take.” God explains that the people, the land, and all that is on it will basically become the property of the king.
A good king will use his power wisely. He will not terrorize his own people. A bad king shows no restraint. He does whatever he wants.
God, of course, is good (Luke 18:19). Like an earthly king, he owns everything and everyone. How much more so for a king who is God and who created everything and everyone. How much more for a king who actually serves his servants (John 13:1-17)?
The God of the universe and Creator of All Things can unleash power on a scale beyond human imagination. Nothing can or will stand against him. Only by his grace and mercy can we pretend we don’t have to submit, but the time is coming when those who have rejected him will be confronted with the ultimate power.
Understanding this requires that we understand our eternal nature. We are not just a collection of atoms or random DNA proteins. We are divinely constructed beings, given the gifts of both physical and spiritual existence. When the physical veil is lifted, our spiritual nature will become apparent to us, even though our spiritual nature is always clear to God throughout our physical life.
Application: It is wise to keep in mind that while our bodies will someday die, the essence of who we are lives on, and our eternal existence will depend on our relationship with The King.
Food for Thought: How does John’s portrait of Jesus as King fit with your understanding of who Jesus is?
I think, when asked to visualize Jesus, most people visualize the image of a man with long hair and a beard, much like the portrait paintings we have all seen, not the portrait that John describes. John’s portrait makes me fearful before the Lord. It makes me grateful for the grace I have been given by God through Christ. It makes my head spin to know that the very One who died for my sins, so that I can have a relationship with Him, and through Him with God, is so all-powerful, and can anything, yet chose to deliver me from the very judgement He will pronounce.
John 5:21-24 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Thank you, Chris.
It is very important to remember both sides of our Lord. Thank you for pointing us to his Grace and Mercy.
Great Comment, Thank You CH!
How does John’s portrait of Jesus as King fit with your understanding of who Jesus is?
Jesus tells us:
I am the bread of life, John 6:35, 41, 48, 51
I am the light of the world, John 8:12, 9:5
I am the door, John 10:7 and 9.
I am the good shepherd, John 10:11, 14
I am the resurrection and the life, John 11:25
I am the way, and the truth, and the life. John 14:6
I am the true vine, John 15:1, 5
Jesus is our King and provider, source of all we need to serve Him well.
Wow!
Thank you, Ron!
Well said!