Dearest e-votees-
This coming Sunday is the last one of the church year--Christ the King Sunday.
Our gospel text ends up with our king being lifted up not on a throne but a cross.
This kingdom that is being ushered in defies our expectations. Thanks be to God for that.
Peace,
Karl
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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. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 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!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 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.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
In a deep and profound way the coronation of Christ the King is melded together with the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus tells Nicodemus that the Son of Man must be lifted up just as the serpent Nehustan (the bronze serpent) was lifted up in the desert (see John 3:14). He goes on to say that all who believe in him may have eternal life. People cry "God save the King" (or Queen, depending who is currently occupying the throne.) But God the King cries "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." The King doesn't need our saving. It is in the undeserved death, and a brutal one at that, that we find our salvation. Our praise doesn't echo in royal halls but rather takes the shape of palms and donkeys and "Hosannas" and tearful disbelief on Good Friday. Our King doesn't follow earthly heralds (well, maybe John the Baptist) but follows after angelic messengers proclaiming his birth and his resurrection. This heavenly kingdom looks very different than we would imagine. Thanks be to God for that.
Human understanding and wisdom would brutally put down those that might threaten the kingdom (as the cross so brutally reminds us). Human wielding of power would look like an iron fist and a victorious sword. Jesus' kingdom looks more like hands willingly accepting nails and a healing of one wounded with a sword as his last act before facing the sword. Humans wrongfully treated might snarl and sneer and breathe threats until their dying breath--Jesus prays for forgiveness and offers Paradise to one condemned with him. What might our world look like if those with the guns and the power were inclined to look up to Jesus to see what true power and leadership look like? Jesus' leadership looks like a bowl and towel, kindness and forgiveness, mercy and new chances. Perhaps God would have us be more like that this week--particularly to those who have wrong us.
God, we pray so often for your kingdom to come. Ready us for its arrival. Amen.
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