On Thursday past, we started to think of the Saviour’s words in these verses. He is explaining the basis of His sovereignty and authority. Christ was once asked by his enemies: “By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?” Matthew 21:23. Here is the answer to that question! We considered that the source of the Saviour’s authority and power was its bestowal upon Him by the Father. We come to another consideration under this heading.

1. His sovereignty and authority is based upon Who He is. “The LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee,” verse 7.

He is ‘the Son of God’. The Father conferred the kingdom upon His well-beloved Son. This was one of the most hated titles the Saviour claimed. Indeed His use of it was the excuse to crucify Him, Matt 26:63-67. Hated and all as this title is, it genuinely belongs to the Saviour. He IS the Son of God.

Oh how we must reverence the person and name of the Lord Jesus. We must not speak of Him lightly or disrespectfully.

2. His sovereignty and authority is based upon the eternal inauguration of Him as King. He is declared to be King by God the Father. Irrespective of how men see him, He is the eternal King of Glory, Matt 27:42. He was called such by the wise men, Matt 2:2. This title was nailed up on His cross, Matt 27:37. How wicked men objected to that title! John 19:21-22.

3. His inauguration has been demonstrated and enunciated on a number of occasions.

a) By the angels at Saviour’s birth — Hebs 1:6-8.

b) At His resurrection — Rom 1:4.

c) At His ascension to Glory — Hebs 1:13, 5:5.

d) At His receiving the kingdom — Dan 7:13-14.

e) At His visible and glorious coming again — 1 Peter 4:13.

At the return of Christ there will the ultimate and final manifestation that the Lord Jesus is indeed the SON OF GOD and KING OF ALL CREATION, Php 2:9-11.