Lord of the Kings

"Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”… And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:20, 38-43 NKJ)

The title’s parody of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is intentional. This award-winning trilogy was inspired by the menacing conflict posed during World War II. Just as in Tolkien’s era, this generation also faces-off with an “Axis of Evil,” that could just as easily be pictured in this allegory. With themes that include self-sacrifice and resurrection, the cinematic version of Tolkien’s writing is clearly more than just another story about good versus evil. Likewise, in the spiritual dimension, a real-life drama, more stupendous than anything Hollywood could envision, is also playing itself out in the hearts of mankind—and it’s celebrated at Easter.

Two thousand years ago the Son of God, whom Tolkien worshipped, left His heavenly kingdom and condescended to become one of us. Through His incarnation, Christ demonstrated that only through His life, death and resurrection, would the problem of human evil be forever overcome for those who place their trust in Him. In effect, Jesus serves a three-fold office for us as Prophet, Priest and King. He speaks to us on behalf of God as prophet—the Word made flesh (Jn 1:1), while interceding for us as priest (Rom 8:33, 34)—having offered a sacrifice of everlasting value, once for all time in Himself (Heb 7:27).

In veiled glory throughout His public ministry, Jesus also preached extensively regarding His second coming and the establishment of God’s kingdom through Messiah’s millennial reign. The people of that day though, expected Messiah’s triumph would be immediate, as evidenced by the unrepentant thief’s remarks (v. 39). While Christ’s majestic rule will one day be ushered in (Rev 20:1-6), His reign first inaugurates an era where the kingdom would be manifest by God’s rule in the hearts of mankind, through faith in the Savior (Lk 17:21). So how should we respond to this offer, that’s posed to every individual? Note the (above) passage again in the Gospel of Luke.

The simplicity and sincerity of the penitent thief’s prayer (v. 42) reflected his belief that: the soul lives on after death; that Jesus had the right to rule over this kingdom of souls; and that the Lord would soon enter that kingdom despite His impending death. The thief’s request to be remembered was a plea for mercy—which also reveals that he understood there is no hope except by divine grace, and that the dispensing of this grace lay in Jesus’ power. In short, the thief’s prayer demonstrated true saving faith, which was graciously affirmed by Christ (v. 43).

More wonderful than any fiction—God incarnate came into the world and suffered death by crucifixion in order to grant us forgiveness of our sins, lavish us with divine love, and secure us blessings beyond our imagination, as children of God. It’s Jesus, who as Prophet, Priest and King—is both the Lamb who was slain, and Lion who will reign. Oh, what a Savior!

As a sinner saved by grace, let me exhort you to also surrender your soul to the “Lord of Kings” this Easter. Like the repentant thief, we can also pray, “Lord, remember me too, now that You’ve entered Your kingdom. May Your reign be established in my heart, until You come again.”

Roy Tanner