Daily Devotions

The Rejected King

“But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’” Luke 19:14

Jesus told this parable on His way to Jerusalem—a city that would soon shout “Hosanna!” and then “Crucify Him!” In the story, the citizens reject the nobleman’s kingship. It’s a chilling line: “We don’t want this man to be our king.”

This isn’t just ancient history—it’s a question that confronts every human heart: Will we accept Christ’s reign—or resist it?

It’s not always open rebellion. Sometimes it’s subtle—a refusal to give Him lordship over our time, our money, our relationships, our pride. We want Jesus as Saviour, but not as King. We want His blessings, but not His commands.

But here’s the truth: Christ is King, whether we accept it or not. His authority is real. The only question is whether we will live under His gracious rule or try to build kingdoms of our own.

To say “Be King of my life” is to surrender, not in defeat, but in trust. He is the kind of King who lays down His life for His people. And though He was rejected by many, those who receive Him receive life, peace, and purpose.

A pastor once placed an ornate chair in the middle of the sanctuary with a sign that read: “Reserved for the King.”

Throughout the service, people admired the chair—but no one sat in it. At the end of the sermon, the pastor asked: “We say Jesus is King—but is His throne truly at the centre of your life? Or do you keep it vacant while living as your own ruler?”

It was a powerful reminder: it’s possible to honour Jesus with our words, our songs, and our rituals—yet still leave the throne of our hearts empty, refusing to let Him truly rule.

Lord, I surrender my pride. I confess the ways I resist your authority. Be King of my life, my choices, my thoughts, and my actions. Reign not just over the world, but over me. Amen.