The title of ‘King’ was associated with Jesus at various points prior, during and after his earthly life. Prophecies declared that a King would come to lead Israel. Following his birth, Wise Men came searching for “he that is born King of the Jews”. Jesus’ designation as King prompted suspicion and murderous intent from Herod, interrogation from Pilate and mockery from the Roman soldiers, who “plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jews!” (John 19:2-3). Although declared in mockery, His status as King was authentic. In the book of Revelation we read of a future victory over wickedness for our Savior and King: “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught “This title [King’] refers to Christ’s presiding role as “King of kings” (1 Timothy 6:15) in the theocratic governance of the kingdom of God both in heaven and on earth. Although it was without the intent to reign, Christ came as King in the meridian of time. But because he came “lowly, and riding upon . . . the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9; see Matthew 21:1–7), His royalty was not recognized by any beyond a relative few who had eyes to see and ears to hear. To them and others on both sides of the veil who have taken upon themselves His name, Christ is still King, but to the rest of the human family He is King-in-Waiting until the time of His triumphant Second Coming. Then, as is appropriate in the presence of royalty, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is the Messiah; the King of Zion; the True, Living, and Everlasting King of Nations; King over All the Earth.”

Sources:

Jeffrey R. Holland, Witness for His Names, Deseret Book 2019