“Jesus: Is He Our King?”

Let me tell you about a few trips to Thailand when things caught my attention. Whether it was a trader selling fruit in crowded markets wiping sweat from their forehead or seeing office workers enjoying lunch in cool shopping malls, they all looked optimistic and happy. During my trip, I saw that the king’s photo was everywhere: in shops, streets, and in homes. For the Thai people, the king’s portrait seemed to be more than just a decoration; it represented as a spiritual focal point that brought peace and stability.

This brings to mind Queen Elizabeth II, a cherished presence for seven decades who represented stability, akin to a grandmother for the British populace. Her passing in 2022 marked the end of era, and King Charles III inherited a world of new challenges. It led me to ponder: What does it mean to be a monarch in the contemporary world?

The longing for kingship we can find it in the Old Testament. Back in the days of the Judges, the Israelites were saying, ‘We want a king just like all other nations!’ They wanted things to be structured, strong, and protected. God listened to what they wanted, and King David took over from Saul. David despite his flaws ruled with a heart that was all about God. In his last words in 2 Samuel, David confessed that a king should lead the people justly and in the fear of God.

Today is Christ the King Sunday, yet our reading takes us to the story of Good Friday. Jesus stood before Pilate and was sentenced to death. Though His message of truth and healing, the religious leaders did not accept Him. They were jealous of His popularity and how His teachings exposed their hypocrisy, leading them to accuse Him of asserting that He was a king, which they claimed threatened Caesar’s authority.

Pilate, however, seemed unsure what to do with Jesus. Jesus did not steal from anyone. He hadn’t taken anyone’s life, nor had he committed treason by Roman standards. When Pilate asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” it was a not appropriate question. Jesus never implied His kingdom was limited for the Jews; His kingdom is not of this earth.

You see, Jesus’ kingship was completely unlike earthly monarchies. While earthly kings rule by power and might, Jesus reigns through love and compassion. While earthly rulers collect taxes, Jesus sacrificed His very life for us. As worldly kings sit upon thrones of wealth, Jesus reigned from a cross of suffering.

The cross stands as the ultimate testament to Jesus’ kingship. It wasn’t a sign of failure but rather the highest demonstration of divine love. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus triumphed over sin, conquered death, and restored us as members of His kingdom. The crown of thorns that was mockingly placed on His head transformed into a crown of glory, showcasing Him as the true King of the universe.

What did Jesus say: “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.“ Where is the kingdom of God, where Jesus rules as King, and how does it work? Isn’t it defined by geographical boundaries or mapped coordinates? There are no outlying provinces or colonies apart from the seat of authority. Citizenship is simple: those who belong to the truth listen to His voice.

Today, it is difficult to locate the truth. There is a lot of misinformation and lies out there, and it is often difficult to tell what is true. Lies often seem bigger, louder, and more persistent. Perhaps we detest truth because we are afraid to face it. The 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice Referendum demonstrated how tough it is to confront the reality.

But Jesus invites us to embrace the truth. When He says, “everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice,” He’s really saying that when we love our neighbours, seek justice, show kindness, and walk humbly with God, we are truly living in His kingdom. Fear is at the heart of lies. But you know, the Bible really reassures us that God is aware of what we need and take care of us. Fear of scarcity is just a falsehood that goes against what God really says.

So, the big question we are taking today is: How can we live as citizens of this divine kingdom in our daily lives? Choosing forgiveness, putting service before self-interest, and standing by the truth even when it’s tough are the times we really show our loyalty to our true King.

Throughout the last two millennia, countless followers have spread this gospel. Millions and billions of people have accepted Jesus as their king, seeing in His teachings an invitation to justice, peace, and hope. His cross of suffering has become a global symbol of comfort and victory.

Only one offers us forgiveness, trust, respect, compassion, and self-giving love. Christ is our king, our only legal source of power and authority. He is the way, the truth and the life. Let’s recall the words of the criminal on the cross: “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He acknowledged Jesus as King and wanted to be a member of His kingdom.

Today, as we stand before this monarch, let us ask ourselves; Are we truly allowing Him to reign in every area of our lives? Are we willing to surrender not just our Sunday mornings, but our Monday decisions, our Wednesday worries, and our Friday choices to His kingship? May you be among those who accept Christ not just as a distant king, but as the living Lord of your everyday life. In His name, I pray. Amen