23:33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
23:34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
23:35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!"
23:36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine,
23:37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"
23:38 There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
23:39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!"
23:40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
23:41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong."
23:42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
23:43 He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
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This week we recognize Christ the King Sunday … the last Sunday of the liturgical year. It seems important to me that we remember how Christ came to be called King.
Jesus was not born to an earthly lord or Caesar.
He did not live in a palace.
He did not lead an army.
He did not conquer any nations.
He did not rule over any vast stretches of land.
He did not have any subjects.
Rather, we worship a King who was born of a carpenter.
He had no home to call his own.
He walked everywhere he went.
The local politicians and religious leaders criticized his every move.
He was tried for sedition and blasphemy.
Finally, he was crucified. And on his cross, the soldiers mockingly posted a sign reading “Jesus Christ King of the Jews.”
This is the man that the Church proclaims to be King. Cyril of Alexandria once said in a sermon that “Christ has dominion over all creatures, a dominion not seized by violence nor usurped, but by his essence and by his nature.”
He did not become king by conquering opposing armies and leaders.
He became King by sacrificing himself in death.
The mark of his Kingdom is not violence, but Peace.
He rules not by fear, but by Love.
Today in our worship, let us recognize God’s rule over creation…but let us remember that Christ’s reign does not come through force or domination … but through sacrificial love.
*This reflection was also read as the Welcome message for DaySpring Baptist Church, November 21, 2010
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