We know that Jesus is not the mournful, passive person portrayed in paintings by the Old Masters. Nor is he the Caucasian Jesus portrayed by Hollywood back in the 1950s (though less so these days). So, who is the real Jesus Christ?
When first saved we see him as a Democrat. “Whosoever will may come…” The word “whosoever” is inclusive. “Whosoever” believes in him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life. (John 3:16) In Mark 11:23 Jesus says that “whosoever” believes can have “whatsoever” if they have faith and do not doubt. When Peter used the word “whosoever” the Holy Spirit fell on the household of Cornelius (Acts 10:44). Those God had cleansed were no longer “common” (unacceptable).
The word “democrat” comes from the NT Greek word “demos” and means “people”. Democracy is “the rule of the people” because in a democracy each vote has equal value. In this sense, we were all equally guilty as sinners — “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Sin had our personal vote. “There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10) God loved the world so much He gave His only Son to redeem it. All who believe in Jesus Christ are pardoned — their sins not just covered but washed away forever by the sacrificial blood of Jesus shed on the Cross for all. “Whosoever will may take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)
Soon after, we come to know Jesus as an Autocrat. The word “autocrat” comes from the NT Greek word “autos” which means “self”. Although all believers have equal access to the Saviour, those who desire to follow him must submit their will to his will. For the true servant of the Master, autonomy — doing your own thing — is not acceptable! Jesus the Democrat saved you, and now Jesus the Autocrat calls you to walk in his footsteps.
“Go your way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” (Mark 10:21) The “whosoever” that have come are called to follow their Master “wherever” he directs. “And he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38)
Or, as “The Message” more pointedly puts it, “If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me.” Jesus said to the disciple Peter: “Very truly I say to you, when you were young, you tightened your belt and walked wherever you pleased. But when you are old, you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall tie them tightly, and take you where you would not please.’ This spoke Jesus, signifying the death by which Peter would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said, ‘Follow me.’” (John 21:18, 19)
In time we come to see Jesus as an Aristocrat. He is “the prince of the kings of the earth” — the Paramount Prince. The word “aristocrat” comes from the NT Greek word “aristos” and means “best.” An aristocracy is “the rule of the best.” An aristocrat refers to one who is born to rule. “Pilate asked, ‘Are you a king, then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. To this end I was born…’” (John 18:37)
Jesus had the dignity of an aristocrat. Pilate was astonished at his calm demeanor. “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have the power to crucify you and the power to release you?” Jesus, with quiet composure, replied, “You could have no power at all against me, unless it were given you from above…” (John 19:10, 11)
Those who observed the miracles of Jesus remarked: “He has done all things well.” (Mark 7:37) “We’ve never seen it like this!” they exclaimed (Mark 2:12). Jesus did not just change water into wine: he made wine judged best at the wedding! Jesus wore a seamless robe and it typified his seamless nature — there were no flaws in his humanity (John 19:23).
Jesus Christ is “Lord of all” who bow their knees to him: he is also Lord of those who do not (Acts 10:36). We cannot “make” Jesus our Lord — God has already made him Lord over everyone! In time, every knee will bow to him and every tongue will confess him as Lord — as the “best of the best”! “God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow … and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
You may already know Jesus as your Saviour. You may also know him as your Lord, as the Master of your life. You may even know him as the Aristocrat, the best of all rulers. But when he returns all will know him as “the Ruler of the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5). His full title is “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”! (Revelation 19:16) The reign of Jesus over the nations will subject them to the Rule of God, which is a Theocracy, and Jesus will then rule Theocratically.
When Christ’s authority on earth is absolute, his rule will end. “And when all things shall be subdued to him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto Him that put all things under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:28) Through the prophet Samuel God sought to bring Israel under His direct rule, but instead they chose a human king. So God gave them the epitome of their desire — a great kingdom in the form of a big man. (Saul was literally head and shoulders above every other man in Israel.)
Yet King Saul was a dismal flop. Even King David — “a man after God’s own heart” — twice sinned against God. But Jesus did always and only those things that pleased his Father, and one day will be acclaimed: “KING OF KINGS.”
Meantime, from within believers God rules His creation through the Spirit of God. He has established His throne in our hearts. Once Jesus has conquered death — “the last enemy” — through our resurrection, he will be subject to God his Father, who will then be “all in all.”
The human race “lives and moves and has its being” in God (Acts 17:28). Nothing exists apart from the Creator — and this includes sinful human beings. But the time will come when God’s spiritual people will “see His face” — see Him as he is — and will become like Him. We will know God in the most personal way possible.
I once heard a Japanese pastor say that when greeting late visitors at the door of his church, he would brush away their apologies with — “That is alright, we are so pleased to have you with us!” Members arriving late would see him look at his watch, frown, and say: “You are late.” But to long-term members who knew better than to arrive late he would say: “Why are you late? It is inexcusable!”
I thought this difference was a bit three-faced until I realized that as we progress, we come to understand that levels of responsibility increase. That Japanese pastor expected more from those who knew better — and he was right.
Democrat, Autocrat, Aristocrat, Theocrat. Coming to know Jesus progressively is an experience that’s sure to keep your eyes keen, your ears open, your mind alert, your love flowing, your faith active, your hope certain, and your heart on fire! Enjoy the rise!