Christ the King Sunday
The Time of the Jesus Kingdom
Today is Christ the King Sunday. It is the day we recognize that in the administration of our world, Christ is sovereign. The book of Hebrews describes personal action that fits the Christian’s task for this Sunday:
“ . . . let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1–2).
The gospel text for today from Luke 23 has a request a criminal made of Jesus as they hung together on their crosses: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” This request was made immediately following his defense of Jesus to the other criminal who was hanging on his cross: “This man has done nothing wrong.”
Jesus said, “Today . . .” That very day the criminal would be with Jesus in paradise.
When will the Jesus Kingdom come? According to Luke it was the day of Jesus’ crucifixion as he died on the cross. “Today . . .” We live in the time of the Jesus Kingdom; it is now.
With this in mind, today how will you look to Jesus on this Christ the King Sunday? Will you ask him to remember you? Will you hear, “Today the kingdom of Christ is yours—you are with me”?
Carol Foltz, bishop and retired pastor
Winston-Salem, North Carolina