” ‘But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, “We don’t want this man to be our king.” ‘He was made king, however, and returned home.’ ” (Luke 19:14-15)
Although Jesus is telling a story about the nobleman who went away to become king — leaving money with his servants to invest — he includes this detail about his other “subjects.” The citizens he was to rule didn’t want him in office.
Since the parable is clearly about Jesus—who was about to die, be resurrected, and return to heaven before eventually returning to Earth as king forever—these subjects are clearly the Jewish religious leaders. Jesus’ story showed that they rejected him and that he would become king, anyway.
Many people reject Christ as Lord, but that doesn’t stop him from being the Lord of all. His poll numbers and approval ratings don’t matter. There will be no election by the people. He will rule and reign forever. At the end of the story, the question will be, “Who was truly living by faith in the king?”
Think: Why would anyone object to the kingship of Jesus? What is the evidence in a person’s life that he or she believes Jesus is the rightful king?
Pray: Thank God that he does what he will, even when some of us object. Ask him to help you to continue to put yourself under his will.
Do: In a few sentences, write your best understanding of a king’s job description.