“30 Pictures of Jesus” 30 Day PlanНамуна

Today we see Jesus as the Son of David.

The Bible’s vision of a kingdom begins in Genesis. Adam and Eve were the first royal family. God gave them dominion to rule the earth as his image bearers. As they reflected his rule, creation would flourish in peace and spread like a garden across the world. But instead of extending God’s reign, Adam and Eve fell under the power of sin and spread the kingdom of darkness instead.

God did not abandon his purpose to rule the world through a human king. He raised up Israel as his people and placed them in a land meant to be like Eden. When Israel demanded a human king, God warned them that most rulers would only bring oppression. But in grace, God raised up David, a shepherd who listened to God’s voice and brought peace to the land by driving out Israel’s enemies.

At the height of his reign, David longed to build a house for God. But God reversed David’s plan: “You will not build me a house. I will build you a house.” By “house,” God meant a dynasty. He promised that one of David’s descendants would rule forever, that he would be God’s Son, and that his throne would never end.

This covenant gave Israel hope for a greater king than David or his son Solomon—one who would not only bring peace to the land but rule the whole world in justice and righteousness. Generations passed, and Israel’s kings failed. But eventually a child was born in David’s city, Bethlehem. The angel told Mary, “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign… and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32–33).

Jesus is the Son of David. Like David, he drove out evil from the land, not with a sword but by casting out demons and healing the sick. But his throne was not established in Jerusalem’s palace. His coronation was on a cross. He wore a crown of thorns, not gold. His royal title, “King of the Jews,” was nailed over him in mockery. Yet in that moment he was taking on everything that had kept Adam, Israel, and every king from bringing God’s kingdom—sin and death itself.

When Jesus rose from the dead, he rose as the triumphant King. He ascended to the right hand of God, where he rules as King of heaven and earth. Even now he is putting all things under his feet until peace and justice fill the world. And through his church, the citizens of his kingdom, King Jesus continues to extend his reign of life into the world.

Jesus is the Son of David, the eternal King whose throne will never be shaken and whose kingdom will never end.