Jesus the King: Redefining Our Understanding of Christ's Authority

Have you ever considered the profound impact of a single word? In the realm of biblical translation, one word can reshape our entire understanding of Jesus' role in our lives and the world. This episode of the Bad Roman Podcast delves into a revolutionary perspective on how we view Jesus Christ, challenging us to reconsider our approach to faith, politics, and our place in God's kingdom.

The Power of Translation

When we read the Bible, we often take the words at face value, rarely questioning the choices made by translators. But what if a crucial term has been consistently mistranslated, obscuring a fundamental truth about Jesus' identity?

Duncan Palmer, a self-described "Bible curmudgeon," shares a startling revelation:

The word 'Christ' is not even an English word, it's a Greek word. And nobody knows what it means. Very few people out there really know what it means.

This insight opens up a world of misunderstanding that has shaped Christian theology and practice for centuries. The term "Christ," which we often use as a surname for Jesus, actually means "anointed one" or, more precisely, "king."

Reimagining Jesus as King

Imagine if every time you read "Jesus Christ" in the Bible, you instead read "King Jesus" or "Jesus the King." How would this shift your perception of His authority and your relationship to Him?

Matt Mouzakis, co-host of Expedition 44, emphasizes the importance of this perspective:

If we started saying Jesus the King instead of Jesus the Christ, would it change how we approach others when it comes to politics?

This simple change in terminology has the power to revolutionize how Christians engage with the world around them, particularly in the realm of politics and governance.

The Kingdom of God vs. Earthly Kingdoms

One of the most striking implications of recognizing Jesus as King is the stark contrast it draws between His kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. Duncan Palmer puts it bluntly:

Every politician is an antichrist. They are a substitute king. They are replacing Jesus in our minds and hearts.

This challenging statement forces us to reconsider our allegiances and priorities. If Jesus is truly our King, how can we justify pledging allegiance to earthly rulers or placing our hope in political systems?

Matt Mouzakis adds depth to this perspective by referencing the work of political scientist Neel Isaiah:

He outlines three different approaches to Christians in the world: Christianism (essentially Christian nationalism), separationism, and prophetic witness.

The concept of "prophetic witness" emerges as a compelling alternative to both political engagement and complete withdrawal from society. It calls Christians to live in the world while maintaining a distinct identity and message, speaking truth to power from the margins rather than seeking to dominate from the top.

Practical Implications for Christian Living

Recognizing Jesus as King isn't just a theological exercise—it has profound implications for how we live our lives:

Redefining allegiance: Our primary loyalty is to Jesus, not to any earthly government or leader.
Rethinking political engagement: Instead of trying to "transform" secular institutions, we focus on building God's kingdom through love and service.
Embracing a counter-cultural lifestyle: We're called to live differently, embodying the upside-down values of God's kingdom.
Speaking prophetically: We have a responsibility to critique unjust systems and point to God's better way.

As Duncan Palmer reminds us:

We don't pledge allegiance to these fakes and substitutes. We pledge our allegiance to Jesus as King. Follow him only as King.

What We Learned About Jesus' Kingship

This episode challenges us to radically reorient our understanding of Jesus and our place in the world. By recognizing Him as our true King, we're called to:

Question our assumptions about the role of government and our participation in it.
Reevaluate our translations and interpretations of Scripture.
Live as ambassadors of God's kingdom, distinct from the systems of this world.
Speak truth to power from a place of humility and service.

The implications of this shift in perspective are far-reaching and potentially transformative for both individual believers and the church as a whole.

Are you ready to see Jesus in a new light? To embrace His kingship not just in theory, but in practice? The challenge is clear: to live as citizens of God's kingdom first and foremost, allowing that allegiance to shape every aspect of our lives.

To dive deeper into these revolutionary ideas, you can listen to the full episode of the Bad Roman Podcast wherever podcasts are found. And for further exploration, check out Matt Mouzakis's new book, "Principalities, Powers and Allegiances," available on Amazon, which delves into these themes in greater detail.

Let's embrace the radical truth of Jesus' kingship and allow it to transform how we engage with the world around us. After all, as Christians, we are called to follow Christ, not the state. It's time to live that truth boldly.