Today, the last day of the Church year, we prepare for Advent and Christmas with the coming of Jesus as God’s gift to the world and we come together to celebrate Christ the King Sunday. This day reminds us that Jesus Christ is the ultimate ruler and authority in our lives and of the world even if the world doesn’t know it. He is the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings. Not just Lord of the Church or King of the world.
Lord of Lords – King of Kings.
Our reading from Revelation says that even though most of the world doesn’t recognise Jesus as King there will be a day when all will fulfil what Paul says in Philippians chapter 2 – that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The day when, as our Gospel says – the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live – when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.
John saw that day in his Revelation when he says – “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, deserving of our full allegiance and worship. So why doesn’t the world recognise Jesus’ kingship and authority? Perhaps it’s because we live in a world that seeks power and control, but Christ the King teaches us a new way. He does not rule with force or manipulation, but rather with love, compassion, and self-sacrifice which are often seen as weakness rather than power. As Jesus once said to his disciples who were arguing amongst themselves who would be the greatest in Jesus Kingdom – You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Jesus when speaking with Pilate who questioned his Jesus’ kingship, replied to Pilate – my kingdom is not of this world. Jesus kingdom is a heavenly kingdom that does not rule in the same way that earthly kingdoms rule, but rather a kingdom of justice, peace, and mercy. Christ the King is an example of humility and service. Despite his divine nature didn’t take advantage of it but humbled himself to take on human form and to serve others. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, healed the sick, and fed the hungry. He showed us that true leadership is about caring for others and putting their needs above our own. Authority is shown by turning the other cheek – forgiving others as Jesus did on the cross to those nailing him to the cross to his death – forgive them Father for they know not what they are doing. Who brought comfort to the dying criminal beside him – that no one else would have considered being worthy of Heaven – today you will be with me in paradise.
So Christ the King challenges us to examine our own lives and the ways in which we may be seeking power and control in ways that don’t reflect God’s ways. Do we seek to dominate others, or do we seek to serve them? Do we use our influence for our own gain, or do we use it to bring glory to God? As Jesus said – let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
As we celebrate Christ the King, let us remember that Jesus kingdom is one of love and compassion and as we pray in the Lord’s prayer – your Kingdom come – your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. Let us show Jesus kingdom here on earth by serving others with humility and grace. And by doing so acknowledge that Jesus is the true King of Kings. Let us always look to Christ the King as the source of our strength and guidance and remember that Jesus is the one true King, deserving of our full devotion and allegiance. And may we always seek to bring his kingdom of love and peace to all those we encounter.
