Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Christ: King of the Jews

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "King of the Jews" is a significant designation for Jesus Christ, reflecting both His earthly lineage and His divine mission. This title is deeply rooted in the messianic expectations of the Jewish people and is prominently featured in the New Testament narratives, particularly in the context of Jesus' birth, ministry, and crucifixion.

Biblical References:

1. Birth of Jesus:
The title "King of the Jews" is first mentioned in the context of Jesus' birth. The Magi from the East arrive in Jerusalem, seeking the one who has been born King of the Jews. They inquire, "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2). This inquiry troubles King Herod and all Jerusalem, as it signifies the birth of a significant and divinely appointed ruler.

2. Triumphal Entry:
During Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crowds acknowledge Him as a king, although the specific title "King of the Jews" is not used in this context. The people shout, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:9), recognizing Him as the promised descendant of King David, which implicitly affirms His royal status.

3. Trial and Crucifixion:
The title "King of the Jews" is most prominently used during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. When Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor asks Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus responds, "You have said so" (Matthew 27:11). This exchange highlights the political and religious tensions surrounding Jesus' identity.

The title is further emphasized during the crucifixion. Pilate orders a sign to be placed above Jesus' head on the cross, reading, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:37). This inscription, written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, serves as both a declaration and a mockery of Jesus' kingship, reflecting the misunderstanding and rejection of His true nature by the world.

4. Messianic Fulfillment:
The title "King of the Jews" is deeply connected to Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The Jewish expectation of a coming king is rooted in promises made to David, where God assures him of an everlasting kingdom through his lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jesus, as a descendant of David, fulfills these messianic prophecies, establishing a kingdom not of this world but of a spiritual and eternal nature.

Theological Significance:

The title "King of the Jews" encapsulates the dual nature of Christ's mission. On one hand, it affirms His rightful place as the promised Jewish Messiah, fulfilling the hopes and prophecies of the Old Testament. On the other hand, it underscores the universal scope of His kingship, extending beyond ethnic and national boundaries to encompass all who believe in Him.

In the New Testament, Jesus' kingship is not characterized by political power or military might but by humility, sacrifice, and love. His reign is inaugurated through His death and resurrection, offering salvation and eternal life to all who accept Him as Lord and Savior. The title "King of the Jews" thus serves as a profound reminder of Jesus' identity and mission, inviting believers to recognize and submit to His sovereign rule in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 2:2
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... term employed, but to enquire in what sense Christ is to ... is the Word, we must begin
with those names of which ... as to the concepts for which the titles are used ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

The Names Son of God and Son of Man.
... Both of the names which he applied to himself"Son of God ... (further illustrated in
Christ's last words ... not among the more usual or best known titles of Messiah ...
/.../section 58 the names son.htm

The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ.
... contrast between Christ and the Anti-christ in their several names and titles but
the ... and none shall help him." Here we are told the Anti-christ will be a ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the revelation and career.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

Then Returning to the Words of Peter, "God Made Him Lord and ...
... being a servant, to be King from being a subject, to be Christ from being ... n. 6):
but he here probably means no more than that names or titles which properly ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 4 then returning to.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... Dr. WL Tucker has pointed out, these titles correspond exactly ... those who reigned
over Israel whose names are here ... Matt.2 than the recognition of Christ as the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus, because He saves,"Christ, because
He ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred these two titles on two ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Psalm LXXIII.
... So many Psalms we have on the titles whereof is ... and Jacob, and not to mention many
names, through Mary was ... a man, nevertheless not yet Christ, nevertheless not ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiii.htm

Psalm LXXXI.
... called by this name, as Idithun, as Core, as other names that we find in the titles
of the ... Ye recollect what was said of Christ, that He was thus born for ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxi.htm

The Bible
... The Rock. Our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. He who is. ... And to these might be
added more than five hundred other names and titles, together with their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm