Where the four Gospel accounts picture Christ as the King introducing His kingdom, other New Testament writings draw a more intimate picture of Christ as the Head of His body, the church. That does not suggest less authority. Jesus remains “the ruler of kings on earth” (Revelation 1:5), with complete power across the entire universe (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17).
However, as King, Jesus chooses not to rule by force. He permits humans to exercise free will for a while. Those who rebel store up divine wrath to be unleashed at Christ’s return, the Day of Judgment (Romans 2:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 2 Peter 2:9). Those who obey His Gospel are added to His church or body in which His reign is recognized, and His will is done. Jesus is like David who reigned as God’s representative over His people. The difference is that David, a mere mortal, briefly ruled one earthly nation. Now, his descendant, the immortal Christ, reigns forever over all things and all beings. He reigns from the highest throne of David, the divine throne in heaven (Acts 2:30-36; Luke 1:32; Revelation 3:21).
HE IS HEAD OVER ALL THINGS FOR THE CHURCH.
[God] raised [Christ] from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:20-23)
The church receives His instructions and teachings from His chosen spokesmen, the apostles and prophets of the New Testament. In that sense, they “sit on thrones” over God’s people (Luke 22:30 cf. Matthew 19:28). Christ’s family is like a temple, “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20 cf. Ephesians 4:11; Acts 2:42)