In this installment I shall address the Mormon belief that Jesus is not to be worshiped in the same exact manner that God the Father is worshiped.

MORMONISM PROHIBITS PRAYING TO JESUS

Beth T. Spackman, seminary teacher, Midnapore, Alberta. 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave specific instructions about whom we should pray to: “Our Father which art in heaven.” (See Matt. 6:5–13.) He gave similar instructions to the Nephites. (See 3 Ne. 13:5–13.) The Father’s name is hallowed. It is to him that we should pray, asking that his will be done. During his ministry, both in the Old World and in the New, Jesus, our exemplar, always prayed to the Father.

In the pattern of prayer given to the Nephites, the direction was to “pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus.” (See 3 Ne. 19:6–8; see also 3 Ne. 18:19, 21.) Jesus is our Mediator with the Father, and all we do in our attempts to approach the Father must be done in his name. (See 1 Tim. 2:5.)

In 3 Nephi 19:16–30, however, we read that, when Jesus was in their immediate presence, his disciples prayed directly to him. Perhaps the key to this unusual behavior is found in verse 22, where Jesus explains that “they pray unto me because I am with them.” (Italics added.) Jesus made this comment while praying to the Father for the welfare of his disciples.

Apparently, on that occasion, while he was in their presence, praying to him was acceptable. After he left them, however, the Nephites continued the pattern of praying to the Father in Jesus’ name, as we are directed to do also. (See 3 Ne. 20:30–31; 3 Ne. 27:2, 28–29.)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie clearly explained what our relationship with each member of the Godhead should be, pointing out that some misguided members of the Church may “begin to pray directly to Christ because of some special friendship they feel has been developed” with him. This is wrong, said Elder McConkie. We should pray directly to the Father, and he will answer our prayers as he sees fit. Elder McConkie also pointed out that we should maintain an attitude of reverence for all the members of the Godhead. (See “Our Relationship with the Lord,” in Brigham Young University 1981–82 Fireside and Devotional Speeches, Provo: Brigham Young University, 1982, pp. 97–103.)

Likewise, we do not pray to the Holy Ghost, even though we may pray for specific gifts of the Holy Ghost—such as the gifts of tongues, comfort, knowledge, or remembrance. We should always pray to the Father. He is the Director, the Supreme Being, the Ultimate Power.

As we contemplate our relationship with Christ and our prayers to the Father, it may be helpful for us to think about our premortal life. The Father’s plan was presented for our sustaining vote. Lucifer wanted the power and glory for himself, but Christ, in his wisdom and humility, realized that the honor and glory should go to the Father. Thus, the Savior has consistently instructed, “When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven.” (Luke 11:2.) (Is it proper to pray to Jesus Christ?; bold emphasis mine)

WHAT DOES THE HOLY BIBLE TEACH?

Contrary to the Mormon assertion, the inspired Scriptures proclaim that Christ is to be worshiped in the fullest sense imaginable, since he is God in the absolute sense being co-equal to the Father in essence, glory and majesty.

THE FATHER DEMANDS THAT JESUS BE GIVEN THE EXACT SAME HONOR

Our risen Lord himself made this precise point:

“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, EVEN AS they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” John 5:22-23

God commands everyone to grant Christ the exact honor he himself receives, obviously because the Son is essentially one with the Father.

This explains why the Father not only demands that all creation glorifies his unique beloved Son,

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

Rendering unto the risen Christ the same worship which Jehovah shall receive from all his creatures,

“I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45:23

But also allows us to appreciate why the Father himself honors and glorifies the Son in the same way that the Son honors and glorifies him:

“And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth… Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.” John 8:54-55

“Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.” John 13:31-32

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” John 17:1-2

“The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” Acts 3:13-15

In fact, the Father has been glorifying his Son by sharing his own divine glory with his Beloved from before the creation of the world:

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was… Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:5, 24

The Son’s essential equality with God is further seen from his being a joint Object of the churches’ repeated prayers and invocations, and the joint Source of all the spiritual riches and blessings granted to believers:

“to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace FROM God our Father, AND the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:7

“grace be unto you, and peace, FROM God our Father, AND from the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:3  

“grace be to you and peace FROM God our Father, AND from the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:2

“grace be to you and peace FROM God the Father, AND from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” Galatians 1:3-4

“grace be to you, and peace, FROM God our Father, AND from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:2

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, FROM God the Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

“Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.” Ephesians 6:23-64

“grace be unto you, and peace, FROM God our Father, AND from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2

“to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, FROM God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ.” Colossians 1:2

“unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, FROM God our Father AND Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Timothy 1:2

“to Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, FROM God the Father AND Christ Jesus our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:2

“Now God himself and our Father, AND our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end HE may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, AND God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

“Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, FROM God the Father, AND FROM the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3

As if this wasn’t remarkable enough, there are places where Jesus alone is invoked!

“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

“The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus.” 1 Corinthians 16:22-24

“Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

“Unto the Galatians written from Rome.” Galatians 6:18

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

“It was written to the Philippians from Rome by Epaphroditus.” Philippians 4:23

“The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

“The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.” 2 Timothy 4:22

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

“The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens.” 1 Thessalonians 5:28

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

“The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.” 2 Thessalonians 4:16-18

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:20-21

To top it off, we even have Trinitarian invocations to boot!

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

“The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.” 2 Corinthians 13:14

“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, FROM him which is, and which was, and which is to come; AND FROM the seven Spirits which are before his throne; AND FROM Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.” Revelation 1:4-5

And since Jesus is essentially coequal with the Father it comes as no surprise that the Spirit shows John a vision in which every creature in all of creation honors the Son in the same exact manner that they honor the Father:   

“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And EVERY CREATURE which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and ALL THAT ARE IN THEM, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, AND UNTO THE LAMB for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:8-14

To say that this is an astonishing vision would be a wild understatement!

The fact that Christ is distinguished from every created being in existence, and the fact that the entire creation grants him the very same worship which the Father himself receives, and for the exact same duration, conclusively proves that Jesus is no mere creature. Rather, God’s Son is the uncreated Lord of all creation.  

This will now bring me to the next part of my response: THE BIBLICAL GOD VERSUS THE MORMON GODS PT. 2B.

REFUTING ANOTHER MUHAMMADAN OBJECTION

Muslim polemicists such as Hamza Abdul Malik appeal to the following passage to refute the Christian belief that Jesus is the Lord God Almighty who became man:

“And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord (to Kyrio); (as it is written in the law of the Lord (Kyriou), Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord (Kyriou), A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons… And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord (Kyriou), they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.” Luke 2:22-24, 39

The Muslims reason that, since Jesus was taken to the Temple for the purpose of being presented to the Lord, he cannot then be that self-same Lord. Otherwise, Christians would need to believe that Jesus was being presented to himself!

Rather, this proves that Jesus is the Lord’s Christ, the One whom the Lord anointed to be his messenger to the people:

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (ton Christon Kyriou).And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 2:25-32

There are a few problems with this argument.

First, the Bible itself shows that a name can be shared by more than one individual or person:

“This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called THEIR NAME Adam, in the day when they were created.” Genesis 5:1-2

Here we have both the male and female being named Adam, even though elsewhere in Genesis the female is named Eve and is said to be the wife of Adam:

“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord.” Genesis 4:1

Note how the woman Eve was Adam and also married to Adam the man. In other words, Adam was with Adam, and Adam was married to Adam!

We thus have a clearcut example of two distinct human persons, of different genders, sharing the same name, in order to highlight their possessing a common essence and nature.

In a similar manner, Jesus can be the Lord who was presented to the Lord without this implying he was being presented to himself.

This leads me to my next point. The Lord before him Christ was presented would be his Father, namely, God the Father. This is readily seen from the following Lukan passages:

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord (ho Kyrios) is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord (Kyriou); be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” Luke 2:41-50

Therefore, there is no problem with Jesus being both the Lord and presented to the Lord, since the Holy Bible reveals that the one true Lord of all creation is not a singular Person, but a singular infinite Being who is multi-personal by nature.

Finally and most importantly, the very same book of Luke identifies Jesus as Lord, in fact THE Lord, being the Lord of the prophets such as David and John the Baptist:  

“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of MY Lord (tou Kyriou mou) should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord (Kyriou).” Luke 1:39-45

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord (Kyriou) came upon them, and the glory of the Lord (Kyriou) shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Kyrios). And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord (ho Kyrios) hath made known unto us.” Luke 2:8-15

“And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord (Kyrios) said unto my Lord (to Kyrio mou), Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.David therefore calleth him Lord (Kyrion), how is he then his son?” Luke 20:41-44

Both the Lord Jesus and his inspired emissaries interpreted David’s confession to mean that he was enabled by the Holy Spirit to see in advance Jesus’ physical resurrection and ascension into heaven to reign alongside of the Father as the Lord of all creation!

“Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool.Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:29-36

“The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)” Acts 10:36

“For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” Romans 14:9

The Holy Bible testifies that ever since his physical ascension and heavenly enthronement, Jesus possesses an everlasting kingdom that will never be destroyed or replaced:

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ (tou Kyriou Iesou Christou), who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom… henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love HIS appearing… At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord (ho Kyrios) stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto HIS heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:1, 8, 16-18

“for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord (tou Kyriou) and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:11

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord (tou Kyriou) and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

What makes this so remarkable, in fact astonishing, is that the inspired Scriptures explicitly proclaim that there is no other Lord who reigns on high from heaven, and whom believers are to look to and depend on, besides Jehovah God:

“A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters (Gr. ton kyrion auton), and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress (tes kyrias autes); so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God (Gr. Kyrion ton Theon hemon), until that he have mercy upon us.” Psalm 123:1-2  

“Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high,” Psalm 113:5

This is because the kingdom of the heavens belongs to Jehovah alone, who is the only heavenly Ruler that reigns forever and ever:

“The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.” Psalm 115:16

“Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.” Psalm 145:13

“Thou, O Lord, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation.” Lamentations 5:19

Christ himself taught that a person cannot have and serve more than one lord, since a person is not able to love multiple lords equally:

“No man can serve two masters (kyriois): for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

And yet both God and Christ reign from heaven as the one true Lord of all creation!

Even more astonishing, the NT further describes Jesus as the only sovereign Ruler who alone possesses immortality and reigns as King over all other kings, being the one supreme Lord over all other lords:

“that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in HIS times HE shall shew, WHO is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; WHO only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to WHOM be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:14-16

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14– Cf. Rev. 19:11-16

The reason why this is remarkable is that the Hebrew Bible teaches that it is Jehovah that rules as the Lord of lords and King of kings!  

“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:” Deuteronomy 10:17

“O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 136:3

“The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.” Daniel 2:47

Hence, for Jesus to be the King of all kings and Lord of all lords who reigns from heaven itself, he must be Jehovah God Almighty in the flesh (even though he is not the Father or the Holy Spirit).

This helps us appreciate why Luke and the other inspired writers describe John the Baptist as the envoy whom the prophet Isaiah predicted would be sent into the wilderness to prepare the people for the coming of Jehovah God Almighty,

“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord (YHVH), make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord (YHVH) shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord (YHVH) hath spoken it.” Isaiah 40:3-5

“Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituræa and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Luke 3:1-6 – Mark 1:1-4; Matthew 3:1-3

“And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” John 1:19-23

Even though we are told that the One whom the Baptist came to herald was actually Jesus Christ:

“And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable… Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 – Mark 1:7-11; Matthew 3:11-17

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” Acts 19:4

“John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” John 1:26-36

I.e., Jesus is Jehovah Almighty who became flesh, the very God of Israel whom Isaiah foresaw would come to reveal his glory to mankind. And yet at the same time, Christ is distinguished from the God whose beloved Son he happens to be!

This further explains why the Son is described as that very same Jehovah God,

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” Joel 2:32

“I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45:23

Whom every individual must confess and call upon to be saved, and before Whom every creature shall bow and worship as Lord:

“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus is further said to be the one Lord who existed along with the one God, namely his Father, prior to the creation of all things:

“but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ (heis Kyrios Iesou Christou), by whom are all things, and we by him.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

“one Lord (heis Kyrios), one faith, one baptism,” Ephesians 4:5

This once again confirms that Christ is Jehovah God Incarnate since the Scriptures emphatically teach that Jehovah is the only Lord who brought all creation into being:

“And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord (Kyrios heis estin):” Mark 12:29

“Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” Nehemiah 9:6

“Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens ALONE; that spreadeth abroad the earth BY MYSELF;” Isaiah 44:24

Hence, the only way that Paul and the early Christian community could ever confess that Jesus is the one Lord who existed with the Father from before creation, and whom the Father appointed to create all things, is if the first Christians believed that both the Father and his beloved Son eternally exist as the only true God Jehovah!

In this regard, Christ’s true followers were simply being faithful to the OT scriptures which affirm that Jehovah is not a singular Person, but a multi-Personal Being, as can be seen from the following text:

“Then the Lord (YHVH) rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord (YHVH) out of heaven;” Genesis 19:24

“And the Lord (Kyrios) rained on Sodom and Gomorrha brimstone and fire from the Lord (Kyriou) out of heaven.” LXX

Jehovah on earth rained down brimstone and fire from the Jehovah who was in the heavens!

And here is another interesting example taken from the Deuterocanonical writings:

“My soul shall praise the Lord even to death. And my life was drawing near to hell beneath. They compassed me on every side, and there was no one that would help me. I looked for the succour of men, and there was none. I remembered thy mercy, O Lord, and thy works, which are from the beginning of the world. How thou deliverest them that wait for thee, O Lord, and savest them out of the hands of the nations. Thou hast exalted my dwelling place upon the earth and I have prayed for death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. I will praise thy name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard. And thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time. Therefore I will give thanks, and praise thee, and bless the name of the Lord.” Sirach 51:8-17 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

Note the particular verse in question as I cite it from both the Latin (Vulgate) and Greek (Septuagint [LXX]) versions:

I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help.

Invocavi Dominum patrem Domini mei, ut non derelinquat me in die tribulationis meae, et in tempore superborum, sine adjutorio. Douay-Rheims + Latin Vulgate (DR + LV)

“I appealed to the Lord, the Father of my lord (epekalesamen Kyrion patera Kyriou mou), not to forsake me in the days of affliction, at the time when there is no help against the proud.” Sirach 51:10 Revised Standard Version (RSV)

“I called to help the Lord, (the) father of my Lord (or the Father of my Lord), that he forsake not me in the day of my tribulation, and forsake not me without help, in the time of them that be proud. [I inwardly called the Lord, father of my Lord, that he forsake not me in the day of my tribulation, and in time of proud men, without help.]” Wycliffe Bible (WYC)

Ben Sirach prays to the Lord, who is the Father of his Lord.

Since the act of calling upon someone in heaven is clearly an act of worship directed to Jehovah alone, the Lord here must be Jehovah. And since Jehovah is the only Lord that an Israelite or Jew can confess, this means that the Son of the Lord must be Jehovah as well.

We, thus, have pre-Christian texts showing how even the Jews were aware that Jehovah is a multi-Personal Being who exists as both Father and Son.

No wonder the book of Proverbs could ask:

“I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy (qadoshim – lit. “holies/holy ones”). Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?” Proverbs 30:3-4  

The inspired writer knew that God has a Son who is an incomprehensible Being that does what only God can do.

According to the NT that incomprehensible Son became Man, and his name is Jesus Christ:

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” Luke 10:21-22

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” John 3:13

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” Ephesians 4:7-10

Hence, God’s only inspired Scriptures emphatically proclaim that Jesus is the Lord Jehovah and the Son of the Lord Jehovah.

In other words, it’s not an either/or situation but rather a both/and reality. I.e., Christ is the Lord who was presented before the Lord his Father.

Unless indicated otherwise, scriptural references taken from the Authorized King James Version (AV).

FURTHER READING

THE KING OF ISRAEL IS THE KING OF THE NATIONS

According to the Holy Bible, John the Baptist was Jesus’ forerunner sent to prepare for his appearance to Israel:

“John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”… I baptize with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know.He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’ This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.’ Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.’ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’” John 1:23, 26- 36 New International Version (NIV) – Cf. Mark 1:1-8; 3:1-3, 11-15; Luke 1:67-68, 76-79; 3:1-6, 15-17; Acts 19:4

This explains why John leapt for joy while in his mother’s womb when he heard the greeting our Lord’s blessed mother:

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother OF MY LORD should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.’” Luke 1:41-44 NIV

It was God’s Holy Spirit, who had already begun filling both John and his mother while still in her womb,

“For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” Luke 1:15

Who caused the Baptist to leap in his mother’s belly before Christ, who had just been conceived by Mary, in recognition of his being his Sovereign Lord.

Here is where it gets interesting.

The Quran attests that John who it erroneously calls Yahya was sent to confirm a Word from Allah, with that Word being Jesus:

Then the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: That Allah gives you the good news of Yahya verifying a Word from Allah, and honorable and chaste and a prophet from among the good ones… When the angels said: O Marium, surely Allah gives you good news with a Word from Him (of one) whose name is the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter and of those who are made near (to Allah).” S. 3:39, 45 Shakir

The Muslim expositors not only confirm this in their exegesis of the foregoing texts, they go so far as to admit that John was caused to bow or prostrate in his womb in recognition of Jesus being superior to him!

And the angels namely Gabriel called to him standing in the sanctuary in the temple at worship that anna means bi-anna; a variant reading has inna implying a direct speech statement ‘God gives you good tidings read yubashshiruka or yubshiruka of John who shall confirm a Word being from God namely Jesus that he is God’s Spirit; he is referred to as God’s ‘Word’ because he was created through the word kun ‘Be’; a lord with a following and one chaste forbidden from women and a prophet of the righteous’ it is said that he never sinned and never so intended. (Tafsir al-Jalalayn https://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=74&tSoraNo=3&tAyahNo=39&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0&LanguageId=2; bold emphasis mine)

(And the angels) i.e. the Angel Gabriel (called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary) in the mosque: (Allah giveth thee glad tidings of John) a son whose name is John, ((who cometh) to confirm a Word from Allah) Jesus son of Mary that he will be a word from Allah, created without a father, (lordly) who is clement when wronged, (chaste) has no desire for women, (a Prophet of the righteous) among the messengers. (Tanwîr al-Miqbâs min Tafsîr Ibn ‘Abbâs https://www.altafsir.com/Tafasir.asp?tMadhNo=0&tTafsirNo=73&tSoraNo=3&tAyahNo=39&tDisplay=yes&UserProfile=0&LanguageId=2; bold emphasis mine)

“She [Mary] came to her sister who was then pregnant and to whom the birth of the Baptist had been announced. When the two met, the Baptist’s mother felt that her child was bowing within her in recognition of Jesus…” (History of Al-Tabari: The Ancient Kingdoms, translated by Moshe Perlmann [State University of New York Press, Albany, 1987], Volume IV, p. 114; bold emphasis mine)

“… Her sister, the wife of Zechariah, came to visit her at night. When Mary opened the door for her, the sister clung to her. The wife of Zechariah said, ‘Oh Mary, do you know I am with child?’ Mary replied, ‘Do you know, that I too am with child?’ Zechariah’s wife then said, ‘I felt that the child in me was bowing to the child in you,’ as it is written, ‘confirming the Word of God.’” (Ibid., p. 119; bold emphasis mine)

Yaḥyā was the first to believe in and affirm ‘Īsā. He was three years older than ‘Isā, or six months is also said. They were cousins. When Zakariyyā heard his testimony, he went to him and embraced him while he was wrapped in a cloth. Aṭ-Ṭabarī said, ‘When Maryam was pregnant with ‘Īṣā, her sister was also pregnant with Yaḥyā. She visited her sister and said, “Maryam! Do you know that I am pregnant?” Maryam replied, “Do you know that I am also pregnant?” She said to her, “I felt what is in my womb prostrating to what is in your womb.”’ As-Suddī said that is acknowledgement of his words: ‘…confirm a Word from Allah.’ (Tafsir al-Qurtubi: Juz’ 3: Sūrat al-Baqarah 254 – 286 & Sūrah Āli ‘Imrān 1 – 95, translated by Aisha Abdurrahman Bewley [Diwan Press, 2019], Volume 3, p. 294; bold emphasis mine)

More than one of our earlier scholars have asserted that Jibril blew on her chest. The air entered HER VAGINA and the womb therefrom and she became pregnant just as a woman becomes pregnant after sexual intercourse. The context of the Quran supports this contention but not the one put forward by some that jibril [sic] blew in her mouth…

Suddi has said that the sister of Sayyidah Maryam revealed to her once that she was pregnant and Sayyidah Maryam made the same disclosure to her. Thus, both ‘Eesa Ibn Maryam and Yahya Ibn Zakariya were conceived about the same time. The mother of Yahya said to her “I feel that what is in my womb PROSTRATES TO WHAT IS IN YOURS.” Maalik said that this was because OF THE SUPERIORITY OF ‘EESA. Sayyidah Maryam said, “He talks to me when I am alone.” (Ibn Kathir Ad-Damashqi (700-774 AH), Al Bidaayah Wannihaayah (From the Beginning to the End) (From the Beginning to the End): Abridged Translation [Darul-Ishaat, Karachi-1, Pakistan, First edition 2014], Translated by Rafiq Abdur Rahman, Volume I. The Story of Creation of the Past the Life of Muhammad upto 9. AH, p. 404; bold and capital emphasis mine)

Allah says: “Confirming a word from Allah.” (3:39)

Yahya confirmed ‘Isa when he was three years old. He testified that he was THE WORD OF ALLAH and HIS SPIRIT. It is said that he confirmed him when he was in his mother’s womb. Yahya’s mother said to Maryam, “I feel what is in my womb BOWING TO what is in your womb to greet him.” (Qadi ‘Iyad Ibn Musa al-Yahsubi, Kitab Ash-shifa bi ta’rif huquq al-Mustafa (Healing by the recognition of the Rights of the Chosen One), translated by Aisha Abdarrahman Bewley [Madinah Press, Inverness, Scotland, U.K.; third reprint 1991, paperback], p. 51; capitalized bold emphasis mine)

Ironically when one of Muhammad’s followers prostrated before him, he rebuked him saying it was unlawful to do so. Muhammad further stated that he would have ordered women to bow before their husbands if prostrating to others besides Allah was permissible:

12 Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah)

(707) Chapter: The Rights That The Husband Has Over The Wife

Narrated Qays ibn Sa’d:

I went to al-Hirah and saw them (the people) prostrating themselves before a satrap of theirs, so I said: The Messenger of Allah has most right to have prostration made before him. When I came to the Prophet, I said: I went to al-Hirah and saw them prostrating themselves before a satrap of theirs, but you have most right, Messenger of Allah, to have (people) prostrating themselves before you. He said: Tell me, if you were to pass my grave, would you prostrate yourself before it? I said: No. He then said: Do not do so. If I were to command anyone to make prostration before another I would command women to prostrate themselves before their husbands, because of the special right over them given to husbands by Allah.

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2140

In-book reference: Book 12, Hadith 95

English translation: Book 11, Hadith 2135 (sunnah.com https://sunnah.com/abudawud:2140; bold emphasis mine)

And:

9 The Chapters on Marriage

(4) Chapter: The husband’s rights over his wife

It was narrated that:

Abdullah bin Abu Awfa said “When Muadh bin Jabal came from Sham, he prostrated to the Prophet who said: ‘What is this, O Muadh?’ He said: ‘I went to Sham and saw them prostrating to their bishops and patricians and I wanted to do that for you.’ The messenger of Allah said: ‘Do not do that. If I were to command anyone to prostrate to anyone other than Allah, I would have commanded women to prostrate to their husbands. By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad! No woman can fulfill her duty towards Allah until she fulfills her duty towards her husband. If he asks her (for intimacy) even if she is on her camel saddle, she should not refuse.’”

Grade: Hasan (Darussalam)

Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah 1853

In-book reference: Book 9, Hadith 9

English translation: Vol. 3, Book 9, Hadith 1853 (sunnah.com https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:1853; emphasis mine)

And yet Islamic tradition agrees with the only Scriptures God ever inspired that Allah not only permitted but actually caused a baby in the womb to prostrate to the unborn baby in Mary’s consecrated belly!

In other words, Allah caused a prophet in his mother’s belly to bow down to Jesus who had just recently been conceived by his blessed mother in recognition of Christ being the very Word and Spirit of Allah!

If this doesn’t convince Muhammadans that Jesus is more than a mere human prophet, and much better and superior to their prophet Muhammad, then I am afraid nothing else will.

FURTHER READING

Islam Bears Witness: Christ is Superior to and Greater than the Baptist Pt. 1

One of the proofs which Muhammadan polemicists give to show that Jesus was only a national prophet, one sent solely for the Israelites, is that the New Testament describes him as the King of Jews and physical heir of David’s throne over the house of Jacob:

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Luke 1:32-33

“And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.” John 19:19-22

“Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” Acts 2:29-32  

This is taken to mean that Jesus was only sent for the Jews.

What this objection ignores or overlooks is the fact that the king of Israel was God’s earthly representative to whom all the nations had to submit.

The Scriptures are clear that God had bequeathed his earthly kingdom to David and his sons where they would reign from Jerusalem over all the earth:

“Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: but God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel:and of all my sons, (for the Lord hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.” 1 Chronicles 28:2-7

“Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.” 1 Chronicles 29:23

“Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.” 2 Chronicles 9:8

“And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods.” 2 Chronicles 13:8

“I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah… Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: with whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” Psalm 89:19-37

“A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son… He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him… His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.” Psalm 72:1, 8-11, 17

This is why the nations are warned that they would be punished and their kingdoms destroyed if they refused to submit to God’s anointed King:

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break THEIR bands asunder, and cast away THEIR cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Psalm 2:1-12

“The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.” Psalm 110:1-7

However, since the Davidic kings were prevented from subjecting the nations due to their sins and/or deaths this meant that God’s irrevocable promise would have to wait for a future time when a King would come forth to perfectly fulfill God’s covenant with his servant David:

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that ALL people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.” Zechariah 9:9-11

It is precisely this hope which gave rise to the Jewish belief of the coming Messiah, and why Jewish tradition interpreted the foregoing OT texts as Messianic prophecies:

Psalm 45

3. Your beauty, O King Messiah, is greater than the sons of men; the spirit of prophecy has been placed on your lips; because of this the Lord^[25] has blessed you forever…

7. The throne of your glory, O Lord,^[30] lasts forever and ever; the scepter of your kingdom is an upright scepter…

Psalm 72

1. Composed by Solomon, uttered in prophecy. O God, give your just rulings to the King Messiah, and your righteousness to the son of King David. (Edward M. Cook, The Psalms Targum: An English Translation http://targum.info/pss/ps2.htm; bold emphasis mine)

Why have nations gathered: Our Sages (Ber. 7b) expounded the passage as referring to the King Messiah, but according to its apparent meaning, it is proper to interpret it as referring to David himself, as the matter is stated (II Sam. 5:17): “And the Philistines heard that they had anointed David as king over Israel, and all the Philistines went up to seek, etc.,” and they fell into his hands. Concerning them, he says, “Why have nations gathered,” and they all gathered. (Complete Jewish Bible with Rashi Commentary, Ps. 2:1 https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16223/showrashi/true#v1; italicized emphasis mine)

one like a man was coming: That is THE KING MESSIAH. (Ibid., Dan. 7:13 https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16490/showrashi/true#v13; capital emphasis mine)

In the land of Hadrach: R’ Judah the son of Ilai expounded: This is the Messiah, who is sharp against the nations and soft to Israel. R’ Yose the son of a Damascene mother said to him [to Judah the son of Ilai]: “Judah, our master, how long will you pervert the verses for us? I call heaven and earth to testify for me, that I am from Damascus, and there is a place named Hadrach. [Rabbi Yose continued:] Now how do I explain: ‘And Damascus is His resting place?’” That Jerusalem is destined to reach as far as Damascus. ‘His resting place’ means only Jerusalem, as it is said: (Psalms 132:14) “This is My resting place to eternity.” He said to him [i.e. R’ Judah to R’ Yose]: “Now how do I explain (Jer. 30:18) ‘And the city shall be built on its mound?’” He replied: “That it is not destined to move from its place.” So was the baraitha taught in Sifre (Deut. 1:1). (Ibid., Zech. 9:1 https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16213/showrashi/true#v1; italicized emphasis mine)

Behold! Your king shall come to you: It is IMPOSSIBLE to interpret this EXCEPT AS referring to the King Messiah, as it is stated: “and his rule shall be from sea to sea.” We do not find that Israel had such a ruler during the days of the Second Temple. (Ibid., Zech. 9:9 https://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16213/showrashi/true#v9; capital and italicized emphasis mine)

And according to the New Testament, Jesus is that very Son of Man whom the prophet Daniel foresaw all nations worshiping as he rules them forever:

“But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of HIS Father with HIS angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in HIS kingdom.” Matthew 16:27-28

“For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.” Luke 17:24-25

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56

“and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:5-18

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” Revelation 14:14-16

Jesus is further identified as the Christ from David’s line whom God resurrected and exalted to sit enthroned with him in heaven, in fulfillment of Psalms 2, 45 and 110:

“Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:33-36

“And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:23-31

“And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: but he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.” Acts 13:32-37

“… sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows… But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?” Hebrews 1:3b-9, 13  

“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And EVERY CREATURE which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and ALL THAT ARE IN THEM, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and UNTO THE LAMB for ever and ever.And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:8-14

“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Revelation 6:15-17

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne… And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” Revelation 12:1-5, 10

And since Jesus is the Messianic King of Israel this by extension means he is the very King of the nations, the One who has been exalted far above every creature as the supreme Lord of all creation:  

“and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE ALL principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and EVERY NAME that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put ALL THINGS under his feet, and gave him to be THE HEAD OVER ALL THINGS to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:19-23

“that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in HIS times HE shall shew, WHO is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; WHO only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to WHOM be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:14-16

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 – Cf. 19:11-16, 19-21

Thus, far from limiting his mission to national Israel the title “King of the Jews” proves the exact opposite point. Jesus as the Davidic Messianic King is God’s appointed Ruler whom all nations are commanded to worship and serve forever.

All scriptural citations taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

FURTHER READING

The God Who Reigns Forever!