Scripture declares Jesus as the King of kings. But what does this title mean?

In the Old Testament, the title of king of kings is used three times to reference an earthly king with no equal.

In Ezra 7:12, Artaxerxes references himself as the king of kings in his letter given to Ezra, the priest allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and providing his financial support for the return.

In Ezekiel 26:7, God refers to Nebuchadnezzar as king of kings in His judgment against Tyre.

In Daniel 2:37, Daniel refers to Nebuchadnezzar as the king of kings when he interprets the king's dream.

All three of these references were to indicate that the king had no earthly equal or challenger. Though not wholly analogous, it is similar to referring to the United States president as the President of the most powerful nation in the world. However, though these kings had no equal in the day of their rule, they would not nor could not maintain their place of authority. All succumbed to the frailty of the flesh, and others would rule their nations and empires.

In the New Testament, the first reference to Jesus as the King of kings is in 1 Timothy 6:15, where Paul encourages the church to remain faithful until Jesus returns.

1 Timothy 6:15 (ESV) — 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

But the most often quoted biblical references to Jesus as the King of kings comes from John's revelation, where Jesus in His second coming is described as the King of kings.

Revelation 17:14 (ESV) — 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."

Revelation 19:16 (ESV) — 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

The kingship of Jesus is a theme that runs from the beginning to the end of Scripture's testimony. When God promised king David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samael 7:12, 16), He was speaking of Jesus.

When Isaiah prophesied:

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV) — 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Isaiah was speaking of Jesus.

Micah prophesied that a ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem.

Micah 5:2 (ESV) — 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Micah was speaking of Jesus.

When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit, he told her that her child would be a king.

Luke 1:32–33 (ESV) — 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

When the Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, they were looking for the king of the Jews. When they found Jesus, they worshiped Him and presented gifts fit for a king. (Matthew 2:1-12)

Herod was so afraid of the kingship of Jesus that he attempted to murder him by killing all the male children in Bethlehem and the surrounding regius that were two years old and under. (Matthew 2:16-18)

In this passage from John, we have the first reference in his gospel account, referencing Jesus as king. I want you to see from this passage that you must submit to the King and invite others to follow the true king. And when you come to know Jesus as the true king, it is only the beginning of greater glories to be revealed and known.