Sunday 21 November 2010
- Bible Book:
- Luke
"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!' The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, 'If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!' There was also an inscription over him, 'This is the King of the Jews.'" (vv. 35-38)
Background
Today, many denominations in the Christian Church celebrateChrist the King Sunday. But the Scripture reading for today'sworship is not a triumphant text about Jesus reigning in majesty,but rather this passage from Luke's account of Jesus'crucifixion.
Luke's Gospel is the only one that tells us anything about the menwho were crucified with Jesus. Their opinions about Jesus' identityecho the way that human beings tend to judge Jesus: Jesus is eitherthe Messiah and Saviour or he is some kind of con artist orfool.
In a number of places in the Bible, Jesus is referred to as a king,but king of what? The good news that followers of Christ proclaimisn't just that God forgives us our sins. We also proclaim the goodnews that a kingdom is coming where God will be in charge; and notjust any god, but the God who cares so much about creation that Godtook on our human nature in Jesus Christ.
But how do Christians reconcile their claim that God isestablishing a new creation under the rule of Christ with Jesus'death on the cross? How can a dead man be king of anything? That iswhat makes the Christian faith look ridiculous to a number ofpeople and that apparent puzzle is sometimes called 'the scandal ofthe cross'.
Those who call themselves Christians will be quick to point to theResurrection as the vindication of Jesus' kingship. But thisparticular text doesn't take us to the Resurrection yet. Reading itto celebrate Christ the King challenges readers to linger on thescandal of the claim that Jesus' successful mission on earth endedin his death.
To Ponder
Why do you think that this text was chosen tocelebrate Christ the King Sunday?
Imagine yourself being crucified in the place ofone of the criminals; what would you say to Jesus?
Christian tradition affirms that there is meaningin Jesus' humanity and in his suffering and death; how do you thinkthese things matter, if at all?