I was prayer walking with a friend really early yesterday morning. He got to the trail first and was standing there laughing. I guess some guy had gotten out of his car and started walking, then noticed him just standing there and exclaimed, “Jesus Christ!” My friend responded that he wasn’t actually Jesus but he’s a good friend of His. Later on our walk we ran into the guy. My friend asked him if he’d like to get to know Jesus. The guy’s answer was interesting: “No, that’s not for me. But, no offense! Really, no offense, I’m not offended.”

In today’s world, even hinting at someone having spiritual authority sounds offensive. It feels like bad news. Judgmental. Our culture values tolerance. The worst thing you can do is come across as superior or narrow-minded.

This is a problem for us as Christians. We want to love people. To serve. To listen. We want the gospel to be heard as good news. Our generous, forgiving God has sent a Savior who welcomes everyone in.

I spend a lot of time reflecting on Jesus as King—about rule, government, authority—and it can be hard to see how that could possibly help. If anything, it sounds like the very thing our friends (and we ourselves) are trying to get away from.

And honestly humanity’s track record on this topic isn’t great. It seems like every generation that’s tried to live out Jesus’ kingship has picked a method that isn’t what Jesus or the apostles modelled….

1. Through Political Power

Christians have aligned with rulers, built Christian nations, crowned kings “by God’s will,” or passed laws to enforce biblical values. Sometimes the Church ruled directly; sometimes it steered from behind the scenes.

But Jesus never accepted that kind of power. When the crowds tried to crown Him, He slipped away. When Pilate questioned Him, He said His kingdom wasn’t from this world. He didn’t try to reform Rome—He called people to repent and follow.

The apostles didn’t take up political causes either. Paul stood before rulers in chains. Peter told believers to honor the emperor—not replace him. They weren’t trying to make governments Christian. They were declaring that Jesus already reigns.

2. Through Physical Violence

From crusades to colonization, Christians have used force to defend or expand the faith. The cross was stamped on shields, flags, and conquest.

But Jesus refused violence. He stopped Peter from drawing a sword. He surrendered willingly. He forgave His executioners. His victory came not through dominance, but through dying.

And the apostles walked the same path. They were beaten, imprisoned, and eventually killed—not for fighting back, but for refusing to stop preaching Christ.

3. Through Platforms and Popularity

We’ve built ministries, media empires, and personal brands. Influence has become the measure of spiritual authority.

Yet Jesus often avoided attention. He withdrew from crowds. He told the healed to keep quiet. He spent His time with a handful of disciples, not thousands of fans. Obedience mattered more than visibility.

The apostles followed His lead. They didn’t build platforms or attract followers. They planted churches quietly and suffered more rejection than recognition. Their authority wasn’t in how many people saw them—but in who sent them.

4. Through Enforced Religion

At times, the Church has tried to create Christian societies by requiring worship, punishing heresy, or legislating morality.

But Jesus never forced belief. He warned, called, and let people walk away. His harshest words were for religious leaders who demanded obedience but lacked mercy. He didn’t manage society—He called hearts.

The apostles didn’t enforce righteousness either. They preached repentance and trained believers in obedience, but they left space for the Spirit to work. Their goal was never a managed culture—but a faithful people.

5. Through Spiritualizing Authority

We’ve sometimes declared spiritual authority over cities, cultures, or institutions—assigning divine mandates or jurisdiction.

But Jesus never claimed spiritual territory. He healed, taught, and cast out demons, but He also wept over places that rejected Him. He didn’t announce control. He extended mercy.

The apostles didn’t claim dominion either. When miracles happened, they pointed to Jesus. When they spoke with power, it was to call people into the kingdom—not to declare ownership over it.

Jesus is Already King

I think the problem has been that we don’t believe that Jesus is already King. I think we’re trying too hard. Because when someone truly knows they have authority, they don’t need to grasp for control. They don’t force, perform, or panic. They’re secure, steady and free to love. Just like when he walked the earth, he doesn’t need us to make him King, because he already is.

Jesus, knowing that they intended to come seize him and make him king, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. – John 6:15 (from the Greek)