You Might Be Royalty And Not Even Know It: 4 Surprising Truths About Christ the King
Introduction
The title "Christ the King" can sound formal, ancient, and perhaps a little distant. For many, it conjures images of historical ceremony or theological concepts far removed from the challenges of daily life. It’s a title we might hear once a year, acknowledge, and then move on.
But what if this title isn't just about an event in the past or a formal declaration? What if, hidden within these three words, is a profound statement about our own identity, our purpose, and the very structure of our lives today? What if understanding the King reveals something unexpected about who we are?
This post will explore four surprising and deeply personal truths embedded in the concept of Christ the King. These aren't just abstract ideas; they are invitations to see ourselves and our place in the world in a completely new light.
Takeaway 1: "Christ" Isn't a Last Name—It's a Three-Part Job Description
The first step is to understand what the title "Christ" actually means. It’s not a surname but an office. Both "Christ" (from the Greek Christos) and "Messiah" (from Hebrew) mean the exact same thing: "the anointed one."
In the Old Covenant, anointing with oil was a physical sign that God was choosing, empowering, and calling someone to fulfill a specific role. Three offices received this anointing: prophets, priests, and kings. This context reveals that when we call Jesus "the Christ," we are acknowledging his fulfillment of all three roles in a unique and final way. This is often called his "three-fold ministry."
The Prophet: Prophets were anointed to speak the word of God. Jesus, however, is considered the ultimate prophet because he is the Word of God. He taught with a unique authority, not by debating other rabbis, but by stating, "Amen. Amen. I say to you," signifying that his words were already settled truth. He didn’t just explain the law; he fulfilled it, revealing its deepest meaning—for instance, explaining that hatred in the heart is the root of murder.
The Priest: Priests were anointed to serve God and make sacrifices for the sins of the people. As the final high priest, Jesus differed in a crucial way: human priests first had to offer sacrifices for their own sins, but Jesus was sinless. Therefore, he was able to offer the one perfect sacrifice by offering himself. In this ultimate act, he was both the priest making the offering and the victim—the Lamb of God—being offered.
The King: Jesus's kingship is established on two foundations: he is the creator of the universe, and he is its redeemer. His mission as king was to rescue humanity from the "domain of darkness"—sin, corruption, and death—and transfer them into his own kingdom of restoration, justice, and peace.
Thus, Jesus as Christ is the ultimate Prophet who is God's Word, the perfect Priest who offers himself as the sacrifice, and the eternal King who reclaims creation through that same sacrifice.
Takeaway 2: If He's the King, You're in the Royal Family
This is perhaps the most startling implication of Christ’s kingship. If he is the King, then those who follow him and are brought under his rule are not merely subjects. They are something far more intimate: members of God's royal family.
You are members of the royal family of God. Let that sink in.
This isn't just a pleasant metaphor; it points to our ultimate calling. God is taking his creation, fashioned from mere dust, and calling them to ascend and become members of his royal court. It reframes our entire lives as a process of being "schooled," "nurtured," and "fashioned to become members of the royal family." Every struggle, lesson, and moment of growth is part of this divine curriculum. You might even say we’re in God’s version of “beauty school,” where our inner nature is being renewed day by day. This is a powerful and counter-intuitive idea, suggesting our true identity is one of incredible dignity and purpose, rooted in our relationship with the King.
Takeaway 3: The Royal Path Isn't Easy Street—It Involves a Cross
Being part of the royal family means following the "path of the king." This journey, however, doesn't align with worldly ideas of royal privilege and ease. The path requires leaving not just the "domain of darkness," but also the "domain of self" to come under the gracious rule of Christ. This can be the hardest part of the journey, but it is never a journey we take alone. When we stumble in our self-reliance and cry out, God’s response is not one of condemnation but of patient welcome: "I've been waiting for you this whole time... Okay, get up. It's time for you to get on the royal path."
This royal path explicitly includes difficulty. We are told not to be surprised by suffering or by the presence of a cross in our lives, as these are integral parts of the journey that leads to life and glorification.
Paul says if we suffer with him, we will also be glorified with him.
Following the king is an active way of living. It means speaking truth, even when it’s hard. It means making sacrifices for love—a love that extends beyond our friends and tribe. As a very real test approaches, we’re reminded to "love even the enemy. And you know, we're getting close to Thanksgiving and there may be some enemies, you know, that are getting together here." It also means using whatever authority God has given us—in our families, workplaces, or communities—for His glory and the good of others.
Takeaway 4: You Are Also an "Anointed One"
Just this past Sunday, we baptized five children. In that moment, five new members of the royal family of God were anointed, fresh from the Holy Spirit. This beautiful, tangible act reminds us that the concept of being "anointed" circles back directly to every believer. In baptism, Christians are literally anointed with oil as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence. This makes the title "anointed one" a shared identity.
This leads to the final, powerful idea: because believers are "anointed ones," they are called to participate in Christ's own three-fold ministry. Your royal identity comes with a royal mission.
As a Prophet: We are called to be a people of the Word. This means we are to hear God's word, read it, absorb it, and be prepared to speak it appropriately in our lives and interactions.
As a Priest: We are part of a global "priesthood of believers." When we gather for worship, we participate together in a "sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving." This is not just a local routine; it is a courageous act of solidarity. Around the world, other members of the royal family are gathering for this same priestly ministry. Some do it quietly because they might be persecuted. Others do it in secret because they would be in jail if they were caught.
As a King: As "sons and daughters of the king," we are called to exercise the authority God has given us. In whatever sphere of influence we have, our role is to use that position to bless others and bring order, justice, and love, thereby glorifying God.
Conclusion: Your Royal Calling
The journey from understanding the formal title "Christ the King" to seeing ourselves as anointed members of a royal family is nothing short of transformative. It is a journey from dust to royalty. It elevates our identity from a local churchgoer to a member of a courageous, global priesthood. It changes our perspective from being a mere subject to becoming a beloved child on a challenging, grace-filled, and glorious path.
This understanding provides a new lens through which to view our purpose, our struggles, and our responsibilities. It is a call to live up to a higher, God-given identity. Knowing you have been called from dust to royalty, what is one way you could step into your role as a prophet, priest, or king in your own life this week?
