The LORD JESUS CHRIST came into the world, as a KING unlike any before or after HIM, HE is the KING of kings. HE has established a kingdom unlike any ever imagined or designed by men. It is one which has no end, one without boundaries, and one which cannot be perceived nor discovered by men regardless of their effort, learning or affiliations.
The kings of this earth rule by carnal power amassing wealth through taxation and gathering armies by conscription (of one type or another) with which to destroy their enemies and preserve their own ability to rule. Man’s prideful addiction to the demonstration of this wealth and power is that motivating force that causes them to desire a powerful king.(this is sometimes called national pride or patriotism). This insatiable thirst for domination (which they believe will give them safety) causes them to seek out the most powerful to rule over them, even when they know that they too must each be dominated (through taxation and laws) even as the children of Israel wanted a king to rule over them in spite of the prophet’s warnings. (see I Sam 8:4-22)
The LORD JESUS came into the world as a KING, but not one appointed by men nor ascending to HIS rightful place upon HIS throne by any earthly succession. HE was completely unrecognized by the multitudes and the nature of HIS kingdom was misunderstood by the few who did recognize HIM. HE was despised and unheeded by the very nation into which HE was born. Though HE rules over the establishment of HIS kingdom with a rod of iron and the very power of GOD, HE was perceived to be weak and had no place of honor among the rulers of this world, either in the religious realm or the earthly.
Thus we understand that HE still rules in that same kingdom, largely unrecognized, especially by the wise and prudent who have their greatest numbers among the religionists of this world. The men of this world cannot recognize the power of HIS kingdom nor the extent of HIS rule, even though there is no tribe upon the earth where HIS kingdom has not been made manifest.
Some of the more prideful “wise of this world” even entertain the notion that HE can only completely rule where men “let HIM be LORD”. How often have we heard these blasphemous words spoken as if HIS reign could somehow be hindered by the free-will of men.
The mother of James and John (Zebedee’s sons) came to the LORD JESUS with her sons in tow, asking HIM to install her sons in high places of power in HIS kingdom. Now she evidently believed, as did they, that CHRIST was the ONE sent by GOD to be a KING over the nation of Israel. Though she believed in HIM as the KING she (nor they) had any clear understanding of the nature and power of the kingdom which HE came to establish and rule over. They did not have a clear view and understanding of this even right up until HIS ascension, as they still expected HIS kingdom to be one like unto the carnal kingdoms of this world (see Acts 1:6), replete with thrones and carnal conquest. Many in the present day still look for the same.
Her request and the resultant reaction of the other disciples, who were anxious not to be left out of these perceived places of honor, set the stage for CHRIST to demonstrate the contrast between the kingdom which HE came to manifest and the carnal kingdoms of this world. Rather than HIS throne and dominion being demonstrated by carnal conquest and the subjugation of nations to serve HIM being brought about through the bloodshed of those over whom HE would rule; HE demonstrated HIS own power and conquest by the shedding of HIS own blood becoming a SERVANT for those to whom HE would give the Kingdom. (see Luke 12:32)
Thus HE told HIS disciples, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Mat 20:27) This is, hardly, the way of this world nor can such a mind be instilled through learning or a free will decision. Even as the teaching of the LORD when HE said, “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Mat 5:39-44)
Such teaching as this is totally repulsive to the flesh. Every fiber of our being says that will never work, men will take advantage of you, you will be brought to poverty, and you will have no respect among men. That is all exactly true, yet it is exactly the manner in which the LORD demonstrated the fashion in which HIS kingdom would be made manifest. To say that such a kingdom appeals to the natural man is laughable. We want to see power, pomp, and wealth, thrones, dominions, and our enemies getting their just punishment.
Yet the power of HIS kingdom is demonstrated through servitude even as HE came to redeem HIS people which are scattered throughout the dominions of this world, by becoming their SERVANT and laying down HIS own life for theirs. HIS purpose is to raise them up as “kings and priests” by calling them to love and serve one another even as HE has set forth the EXAMPLE. In fact HE said this is exactly how the world will know HIS followers. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)
This kingdom cannot be inherited (obtained) by flesh and blood. No amount of learning can enable one to discover it nor can any coercion by men cause one to enter therein. One must be born into this kingdom, whose right thereto has been purchased by ONE who is the REDEEMER.
As in all things spiritual, Satan has his own counterfeits. Many claim to be “servants” when in reality they are mere “hirelings”. A servant (or slave, Greek word doulos) is one who is purchased by the master of the house. He is compelled to render his servitude unto his master because he is not his own, having been bought with a price.(see I Cor.6:20, 7:23). When the master calls he comes, he follows after the master wherever he goes.
A hireling on the other hand is one who is merely an employee. He chooses to enter into servitude because of the benefits which he can derive from it, rather than the benefits which would accrue to his employer. His service is rendered strictly according to his “free will”. If he is inconvenienced, in danger, or dissatisfied he can merely walk off the job. The LORD described him thus, “But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.”(John10:12-13)
Those who are purchased by CHRIST are called to be HIS servants, yet the manner in which their service to HIM is manifested is by their servitude to one another. “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Php 2:3) “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2) Because of the goodness of their MASTER, they have desired to serve HIM forever. (see Ex. 21:5,6) “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Php 2:5)
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