Who Is Jesus?Sample

KING OR PAWN?

A third question we need to ask about Jesus has to do with his authority in this world. Is Jesus truly the King of Kings as he claimed? Or was he just a pawn in the power struggles of ancient history? Is Jesus seated “at [God’s] right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:20 NIV)? Or is he just like the other figures in history who have come and gone?

The Bible reveals that throughout the history of Israel, God raised up people of power to accomplish his purpose in time and in eternity—men and women like Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Esther, and Ruth. He also raised up foreign powers, like the Babylonians and the Persians, to enact his will on the earth. At times, God’s people certainly wondered if he had forgotten about them as they remained exiled from the homeland. But looking back on the course of history, it is apparent that God always had a plan and a purpose for every move.

When you look at the events surrounding Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion, it can make you likewise wonder whether God was in control. From outward appearances, it seems as if he Jesus was just passed from one power to the next—from the Jewish authorities to the Roman government—like a pawn moved around on a chessboard. And it’s difficult to consider a worse outcome to these events: God, in human flesh, was betrayed and crucified on a Roman cross. This doesn’t sound like the all-powerful God we read about in Scripture. Was he in control?

Again, with the advantage of having the ability to look back on history, we see that God was actually using these earthly powers to unfold his plan. God needed inside power—the Jewish leaders—to railroad the Son of God. He also needed outside power—the Roman authorities—to crucify him. He needed this so the prophecies would be fulfilled that he would suffer and die for our sins (see Isaiah 53:1–12). In this way, he could raise Jesus from the dead on the third day—and thus explode into life a church that is triumphant to this day.

At times, it is easy to feel like a pawn in the chess game of life. It can seem that others hold all the power and are wrecking God’s plans for you. But always remember that when you’re submitted to the King, your future is in his hands. You don’t have to worry about other people altering God’s plans for you, for he is always in charge. 

Respond

What circumstances tend to make you feel as if life is out of control? Why can it be hard to see God working in these and other circumstances? 

How have you seen God use a difficult circumstance to bring you closer to him? How does knowing that God is always in control help you to respond to adversity?

What are you experiencing right now that you would like to see God use for his glory? What hope do you see for the future? On what is your hope based?