Let Jesus Be King
Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 7, 2024 | John 6:14-15
KEY VERSE:
¹⁴ After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." ¹⁵ Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:14-15 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In election years, in some parts of Africa, politicians find money to buy and supply food and other items that the masses gladly receive. They do this to win the support and the votes of the people whom they forget about once they win the offices and seats they are looking for. For the Lord Jesus, there was no need for more campaigns, the feeding of the multitudes in the wilderness had marked Him out to the people as the one who should rule over them. Who did not want a king who could multiply bread and fish and command some refreshing wine to follow. “They intended to come and make him king by force.”
The response of the Lord to the intention of the people is very striking, “He withdrew again to a mountain by himself.” He had come as the King of the Kingdom of God and wanted people to come under His rule. But a mistaken sense of the Kingdom was not to be entertained or promoted by the Lord. The rule that the Lord Jesus seeks to have in our lives is not merely at the material level. He has just shown the crowds that He could handle material needs. Still, He also wanted to make it clear that “¹⁷ . . . the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Rom 14:17-18 (NIV).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ? Why do you follow Him? Get the perspective right; He wants to rule in our hearts, to be King over our thoughts, emotions and attitudes. He would also take care of our needs.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, I yield my life to you to rule as you will. I pray that I will see life and the things that matter most from your point of view. May you be my King on your terms. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: KING
The Greek word used for "king" in this passage is "βασιλεύς" (basileus), which typically denotes a monarch or ruler with authority and power over a particular territory or people.
After Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish, the people recognized the significance of this miraculous sign and began to speak of Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, the one who would come to deliver Israel from oppression and establish His kingdom on earth. Their desire to make Jesus their king reflects their longing for political liberation and restoration of Israel's former glory. They saw in Jesus the potential for a leader who could lead them to victory over their Roman oppressors and restore the kingdom of Israel to its former greatness.
However, Jesus recognized that their understanding of His kingship was limited and misunderstood. He knew that His mission was not primarily political but spiritual in nature. Therefore, He withdrew from the crowd and avoided being crowned as an earthly king.
Reflections:
Jesus is indeed the King of kings, but His kingdom is not of this world. He reigns in the hearts of those who submit to His lordship and follow Him in faith. As His subjects, we are called to align our lives with His will and participate in the advancement of His kingdom, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
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