Christ Is King

Over the last few weeks, our church body has undergone a season of hardship due to families experiencing the loss of loved ones, miscarriages, and cancer diagnoses. In the last several days during my quiet time with the Lord, I’ve cried out to him with a heavy heart for many of our people who are hurting. And in those times, while he has provided great comfort to me, He’s also reminded me that these seasons are nothing new for our local church or his church throughout history. God’s people will endure suffering, its a fact of life, as we were reminded in last week’s sermon. In the midst of that suffering, it can be easy to lose sight of biblical truths that can and should give us hope. One such truth I want to remind us of this Easter season that comes as a direct result of the resurrection is simply this: Christ is King and holds all authority.

In Matthew 28:18, the risen Jesus appears to His disciples with a powerful declaration:

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.”

These words are not just a comforting conclusion to the resurrection story—they are a bold proclamation of cosmic rule. Jesus is not just alive—He is enthroned. His resurrection is not merely a victory over death; it is a coronation. He now reigns with total authority, both in heaven and on earth.

This reign is also deeply personal. In Revelation 1:17–18, the apostle John encounters the glorified Christ. Overwhelmed by the sheer majesty of the risen Lord, he falls at His feet “like a dead man.” But then Jesus speaks:

“Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

What a powerful reassurance. Jesus doesn’t just claim victory over death in the abstract—He holds the keys. He has authority over the grave, over suffering, over fear itself. And He uses that authority not to crush us, but to comfort  and to lead us, and to shape us into the image of the worshippers that we will one day perfectly be, little by little (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The resurrection changes everything. It proves that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be—the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the reigning King of kings. Every word He spoke, every promise He made, is vindicated by the empty tomb. His authority is not borrowed or limited; it is absolute.

So what does that mean for us: If Jesus reigns with all authority, what does that mean for our lives today?

If Christ truly holds all authority, then He deserves not just our admiration, but our submission. His resurrection affirms His right to rule—not just the cosmos, but our calendars and choices, our relationships and our dreams. We are not our own; we belong to the risen King.

Too often, we treat Jesus as a consultant—someone to advise us when convenient. But Jesus doesn’t offer suggestions; He gives commands rooted in love and power. He calls us to follow Him fully, to live under His reign, and to trust that His authority is always for our good and His glory.

The good news is, Christ’s reign isn’t distant or impersonal. He is the risen King who still bears the scars of the cross. His authority is not cold or oppressive—it’s compassionate, rooted in sacrifice. He is the King who conquered death for us and who now reigns for us. Even in the midst of our suffering, we can rest knowing our lives are held by a sovereign Savior who is alive forevermore.

Prayer:

Risen King Jesus, thank You for conquering death and reigning with power and authority. Help me to live in light of Your resurrection—to trust Your rule, to obey Your Word, and to rest in Your sovereign love. Reign in my heart today and always. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What areas of your life are hardest to surrender to Jesus’ authority?
   What might it look like to trust His sovereign reign in those areas?

2. How does the resurrection of Jesus give you confidence when facing fear, uncertainty, or suffering?
   How does knowing that He “holds the keys of death and Hades” change your perspective?

3. If Jesus truly reigns as King over heaven and earth, how should that shape your priorities, your decisions, and your daily life?
   Is there a next step you feel called to take in response to His authority?