The Unexpected King

What comes to mind when you think of a king?

Throughout human history, kings have been marked by their grandeur and authority—residing in opulent palaces, commanding armies, and surrounded by servants eager to do their bidding. Their appearances inspire awe: majestic robes, crowns encrusted with jewels, and thrones that symbolize power. Crowds cheer as they pass, bowing in reverence to show their allegiance.

But Jesus redefined what it means to be a king.

Jesus is no ordinary ruler. He is the King of all kings—the One who brought the universe into existence and holds it together. Yet His arrival on earth was so unassuming that many failed to recognize Him.

"He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." (John 1:10-11)

The Creator stepped into His creation, but not in the way one might expect. He didn’t come with armies or royal fanfare. Instead, He entered this world in the humblest of circumstances—a stable, not a palace. Born into obscurity, He was laid in a manger, not a golden cradle.

Throughout His life, Jesus’ kingship didn’t align with worldly standards. He had no permanent home, no wealth, and no servants to attend to Him. Instead, He dedicated His life to serving others. His miracles revealed His authority, but His humility often concealed His majesty.

For a brief moment, He was recognized as king. As He entered Jerusalem, crowds shouted, “Hosanna!” and spread palm branches before Him. But their adoration didn’t last. Days later, those same voices turned to mockery. Jesus was beaten, humiliated, and nailed to a cross. The crown placed on His head wasn’t made of gold but of thorns—a cruel parody of His divine authority.

Why would the King of the universe choose such a path? The answer is found in the mystery of His humility:

"Though he was in the form of God, [he] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:6-7)

Jesus Christ is God, yet He chose to leave the splendor of heaven and live as a servant among humanity. During His time on earth, He didn’t appear as a king or receive the honor a king deserves.

But make no mistake—Jesus is a King. And one day, His kingship will be revealed to the entire world.

When Jesus returns, it will not be in the humility of a manger but in the full display of His glory. He will come as the King of Kings, riding on a white horse, clothed in a majestic robe, and crowned with many crowns. This will be the moment when His authority is undeniable and His reign unmistakable.

"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

The heavens will resound with a trumpet blast, and the armies of heaven—angelic hosts under the command of Jehovah-Sabaoth, the LORD of Hosts—will accompany Him. What a sight that will be! The triumphant King will descend, and His followers, both those alive and those resurrected from the dead, will rise to meet Him.

This will be no ordinary event. The name of Jesus will be exalted above all others, and His glory will cover the earth. The moment of His return will fulfill the vision given in Scripture:

"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)

When King Jesus returns, no one will ignore or deny Him. Every person, regardless of age, culture, or belief, will bow in recognition of His authority. Even those who resisted Him during their lives will fall to their knees, unable to withstand His glory. The Coming King will take His rightful place as the eternal Ruler, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Are you ready for His return? Do you live with the expectation of seeing Him face-to-face? His return is not a distant hope but a reality that draws closer every day. For those who long for His appearing, the cry of the heart echoes the words of Revelation:

"Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

Let this anticipation shape your life. Let it inspire you to live faithfully, to proclaim His name boldly, and to pray earnestly for His coming. The King who once came in humility will return in power and glory. And when He does, His kingdom will be fully established, forever unshakable.

Until that day, we watch, we wait, and we pray: Come quickly, King Jesus!