King of Righteousness

We know that not long after Jesus’ birth, the Magi—wise men from the East—arrived in Jerusalem and declared: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and we have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2).

Jesus was a true descendant of King David, born from the royal line of Judah. Everyone in Israel knew that He was of kingship linage. But more than that, His title ‘King of the Jews’ was publicly confirmed before King Herod by rulers from distant nations. These Kings of the East recognized in the Child a kingship far greater than theirs—and they had come to worship Him. 

Rome’s appointed ruler, Pontius Pilate, unknowingly joined the chorus of witnesses. At the crucifixion he ordered a sign to be written in three different languages for all to know Rome’s official decree: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).

Jesus, the King of kings and fully righteous is the very definition of King of Righteousness—the exact meaning of the title Melchizedek.

Have you ever wondered why Gabriel told John’s father Zachariah to name his son John? You might think his name should have been Elijah, but it had to be John. Why? It’s because from John to Jesus is the transition of one era to the next—a season from the age of John to the age of Messiah. 

The name John is an intentional reference or link to correlate the transition from Johnathan, son of King Saul, to King David’s rule. Johnathan was David’s best friend and most trusted ally. Johnathan or John represents the age of Torah to the age of King Messiah. John was named John for all to understand that he was the last of that age, and Jesus is the beginning of the next age. One rule to another rule. Gabriel said his name was to be John and that was a divine signal: the age is turning. The age of King Messiah. The age of Melchizedekian order in Jesus. 

Jesus Himself explained John’s unparalleled role: "But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. "For this is he (John) of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.' Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:9-11).

John is the greatest of the old order. But the Kingdom of heaven that Jesus brings is a kingdom of righteousness. Through Jesus—the King of Righteousness—we are born into that kingdom and become heirs of a righteousness that is far greater than John.

Paul describes this kingdom plainly: “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

You see, the Magi recognized Jesus as King at His birth. Rome recognized Him as King at His death, publicly declaring it in three languages for the whole world to read. Jesus then laid down His life on the cross, but three days later He rose again—and Heaven recognized His kingship in the power of the resurrection. 

His kingship did not die with Him, nor was His crown transferred to another. Earthly kings die and their rule ends, but Jesus conquered death and can never die again. Because He lives forever, His kingship is unbroken, uninterrupted, and eternally secure. The risen Christ retains His Kingship FOREVER—the everlasting King in the order of Melchizedek.

To be continued…

Coming next “Messiah is Melchizedek”