Who is really in control? It’s a question we all ask when the world feels chaotic—when leadership fails, when uncertainty reigns, when the future seems unclear. Philippians 2:5-11 gives us a clear, powerful answer: Jesus Christ is Lord. Not just in theory, but as the supreme, sovereign authority over all creation—and one day, everyone will acknowledge it.
How Animals Decide Who Leads—and What It Tells Us
Pastor Josh opened with a fascinating observation from chimpanzee research.Groups use three strategies to establish leadership: brute strength and intimidation, emotional intelligence (building relationships, sharing food, grooming), and political alliances. Researchers found that leaders who relied primarily on intimidation lasted only a couple years—but those who built coalitions stayed in power for ten years or more.
The lesson? Violence and coercion never produce lasting leadership. True authority comes from protecting the group and maintaining harmony. Sound familiar? This is exactly how God designed leadership to work—and it’s what Jesus demonstrated in His perfect obedience.
The Result of Christ’s Humiliation
Philippians 2:9 says: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.”
Because Jesus humbled Himself—becoming a man, living a perfect life, and dying on the cross for our sins—God did two remarkable things:
1. God Highly Exalted Him
The Greek word for “highly exalted” is huperupso—meaning to raise to the highest rank and power. Jesus is now the supreme majesty over all creation.
This wasn’t just a future promise. When Jesus rose from the dead, God seated Him at His right hand in heaven, far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion (Ephesians 1:20-23). Peter writes that Jesus “has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him” (1 Peter 3:22).
Before ascending, Jesus told His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He is reigning right now—and His kingdom will one day be Physical and visible on earth.
One day, there won’t be any more elections. One day, every human authority will step aside for the King of kings.
2. God Bestowed on Him a Name Above Every Name
The Greek word for “bestowed” is karizomai—from charis, meaning grace. God graciously gave Jesus this name because Jesus satisfied the Father’s justice by providing atonement for our sins through His incarnation and death.
And what is that name? Philippians 2:11 reveals it: “Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Lord is not just a casual title. It’s a title of majesty, authority, honor, and sovereignty. When we say “Jesus is Lord,” we’re declaring that He holds the supreme rank over every being in existence—past, present, and future.
Today, people argue endlessly about who’s in control—politically, socially, culturally. But one day, every debate will end. Every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess. Not because everyone chooses to follow Him willingly in this age, but because one day, they will see with their own eyes who truly holds the name above every name.
Jesus Is Coming Back as King
Revelation 19:11-16 gives us a glimpse of Jesus’s return in glory:
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.”
— Revelation 19:11-12
He is called Faithful and True. He judges in righteousness. He wears many crowns—and He bears a name known only to Himself. This is the King who will establish His kingdom on earth. No more elections. No more debates. Just the triumphant reign of the Lord Jesus Christ.
What This Means for You
When life feels out of control, when leadership disappoints, when the future seems uncertain—remember: Jesus is Lord. He has been exalted to the highest position. He holds all authority. He is reigning at the right hand of God the Father, and one day He will return in glory to set up His kingdom on earth.
You can trust Him. You can follow Him. You can worship Him—because He is Lord over all.
The question isn’t who will be in control? The question is: will you recognize and submit to the One who already is?
Scripture References
- Philippians 2:5-11 — Christ’s humiliation and exaltation
- Matthew 28:16-18 — All authority given to Jesus
- 1 Peter 3:22 — Jesus at the right hand of God
- Ephesians 1:20-23 — God raised Christ and seated Him above all rule and authority
- Revelation 19:11-16 — The return of Jesus as King of kings