“Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
John 1:49*
Most Christians remember Peter’s bold declaration of faith, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), but Nathaniel’s equally strong affirmation that Jesus was the Messiah is often over-looked, even though it was given a year or two before the other. It might be because Nathaniel is called Bartholomew in the other gospels or because “King of Israel” is not recognized for what it is: a messianic title.
The Lord Jesus is a king many times over. When He returns to this planet, He will have to sit through many coronation ceremonies. He’ll be crowned King of kings, King of Peace, King of Righteousness, King of the Jews, and King of the Saints. However, before any of these other honors can be bestowed, He will be given His long overdue position of King of Israel.
When King David crossed back over the Jordan after fleeing Absalom’s rebellion, the tribe of Judah insisted that they be the first to welcome back the king, because they were His kinsmen.
In the same way, the redeemed of every nation are ready to shout Hosanna and crown their Savior, King of the whole earth, but first and foremost the converted Jewish nation will receive their Messiah as the King of Israel.
Crown Him with many crowns
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark how the heavenly anthem drowns
All music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
Of Him who died for thee
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.
Matthew Bridges (1800-1893)
*see also Isaiah 44:6; Matthew 27:42; Mark 15:32; John 12:13
March 8
