The Priesthood of Jesus: A Devotional Study Series (Part 4)

/ Michael Battle

THE RESURRECTION AND EXALTATION

Key Scripture

“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.”
— Luke 1:32

1. Introduction

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in Luke’s gospel, he announced that Jesus would be given the throne of David.

Though some interpret the reign of Christ from the throne of David as a future, earthly millennial throne, the New Testament reveals that Jesus is already enthroned—at the right hand of God.

According to the apostles, the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus fulfills God’s promise that the Messiah would reign on David’s throne.

2. Peter’s Declaration in Acts 2

Peter proclaimed that the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus fulfilled David’s prophecy:

“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 the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

— Acts 2:30–36

Peter connects the promise of the throne of David directly to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus.

3. David’s Prophetic Vision (Psalm 110)

Peter quotes Psalm 110:1:
“The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Key Observations:

  • “The Lord said to my Lord…” — David foresaw the Messiah as his Lord, seated at the right hand of God, not on an earthly throne.
  • The author of Hebrews and Paul (1 Corinthians 15:25-26) also apply this verse to the exalted Christ.
  • Psalm 110:4 declares the Messiah to be “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

4. Christ as King and Priest

Jesus is both King (from the tribe of Judah) and Priest (after the order of Melchizedek).

Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant—who served on earth—Jesus’ priesthood is heavenly, exercised at the right hand of God.
See Hebrews 8:1-3.

5. Christ’s Present Reign as Lord

Peter proclaims:

“Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both LORD and Christ.”
— Acts 2:36

Jesus is Lord now—already reigning in power, not waiting for a future enthronement.

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:9-11

6. Seated in Majesty

  • “When he had by himself purged our sins, (He) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High…” — Hebrews 1:3
  • “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” — Hebrews 1:8

Paul prays that believers understand this exaltation:

“…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 hath put all things under His feet…”
— Ephesians 1:17-23

7. The Eternal Throne

Jesus’ throne is not temporary nor awaiting a lesser earthly throne.
He entered His glory after the resurrection (Luke 24:26; John 17:5; Acts 2:33).
He reigns now from the Heavenly Jerusalem (see Hebrews 12:22-24).

“…made Higher than the Heavens…” — Hebrews 7:26

When Christ returns, He comes in the full majesty of His exalted throne, not to assume an inferior earthly seat.

Study & Reflection Questions

  1. According to Acts 2:30-36, when did Jesus begin to reign on David’s throne?
  2. How does Psalm 110 reveal that the Messiah’s throne would be heavenly, not earthly?
  3. What does it mean that Jesus is a Priest after the order of Melchizedek?
  4. How does Ephesians 1:20-23 describe Christ’s present authority?
  5. How should understanding Christ’s present reign affect your worship and faith?

Prayer Prompt

“Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart to see You exalted at the right hand of the Father. Help me to live in the power of Your present reign and to bow before You as Lord and King of my life. Amen.”

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