Walking with Jesus: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 93:1; John 18:33-37

We live in a world of various forms of government: democracy, dictatorship, royalty, tribal clans, even populist rule. Some of us have have lived during one or more of these forms of government. I have only lived in a democratic government. Today’s readings focus on the rule of monarchy, the Kingship of Jesus and what it means. In the first reading the Jewish people are tribal/clan oriented. Then they are under the rule of powerful kings who come and conquer the tribes of Israel. They eventually plead with God to send them their own king to rule them. They assume the kings will be powerful leaders who will protect the people from slavery, solidify their standing among the surrounding nations and lead them closer to their God. Jesus is the promised king and Messiah. The people have “ideas” and “hopes” for His Messiahship, but none match God’s plan.

Jesus, the great host of God’s kingdom, invites the people to a new direction characterized by a new way of living. Each of us is invited to be our best as members of this honored society. We are to put aside negative images and put on the life and love image of Jesus, serving him honorably, putting aside concerns for ourselves and living as Jesus did as servant leader. The last days of Jesus completely overturn every idea of a king for the Israelites who have been waiting in great expectation for their Messiah King. He is captured, tortured horribly, mocked, humiliated, crowned with thorns, and nailed hands and feet to a wooden cross reserved for murderers and insurrectionists. He is abandoned by His apostles. The religious and civil ruling parties of the day attempt to eradicate His name and influence. We look to the readings to gain God’s insight into His Son’s life and death, and our Eternal King and lover of all.

The invading Kingdom of Babylon has identified Daniel and his three companions as having the potential to be of “royal stock” as young men “… without any defect, handsome, intelligent and wise, quick to learn and prudent in judgment, such as who could hold a place at the palace at the service of King Nebuchadnezzar.” [Daniel 1:1-4] Daniel has interpreted dreams (chapters 2-4) for various new kings, a talent none of Babylon's own soothsayers or prophets were able to match. Today’s passage is different since Daniel has a dream concerning the “court of heaven.” He sees a figure “like a Son of man on the clouds of heaven.” [Daniel 7:13] Previously Daniel has seen a vision of four beasts coming out of the sea, signifying danger and darkness. The vision of the Son of Man is associated with light and beauty. The beasts represent four successive kingdoms. The Son of Man is presented before God, called the Ancient One -- implying God is eternal. God entrusts the Son of Man with kingship over all the nations. The vision comes to be interpreted by the Jewish scholars and rulers as the expected Messiah.

The  Book of Revelation, the second book of Luke, is intended to inspire faith in the final victory of God’s plan and the Messiah. Christ, the Anointed One, rules over all the forces that have been persecuting Christians. Christ’s power extends to all and is victorious over death by being raised by God. His work is all about love, which frees us from our bondage to Satan. Christ is connected with the Jewish messianic expectations and will live and rule forever.

In the Gospel, Jesus is being interrogated by Pilate. “Are You the King of the Jews?” Pilate asks. [John 18:33]  Right off the bat, Jesus puts Pilate on the spot. He clarifies the Kingship He has and that He has no interest in secular kingship. He is speaking the truth that comes totally from God. Pilate doesn’t understand the truth since He cannot grasp who Jesus really is and what He has come to do. Jesus does have a kingdom and He is not a threat to Rome. He asks His followers and each of us to live as people who care about others. I am to live in love and accept myself exactly as I am, a gift to those whom God places in my life.

So I reflect on:

• The “unknown soldier” was willing to give his life for His king. What does it mean to me to give my life for my king?
• He speaks the Word of God. Am I listening to His voice?
• How today can I live faithful to Christ, my king, rather than dwell in fear?
  

Sacred Space 2021 states:

“There is always a certain ambiguity in giving Jesus the title of King. This is partly due to the varying attitudes to kings throughout history and in different cultures. But the greatest ambiguity surfaces in today’s reading. Jesus has to correct Pilate’s understanding of Jesus’ role: ‘My kingdom is not from this world,’ or, ‘My kingdom does not belong to this world.’ In spite of this warning we have sometimes celebrated this feast in a (worldly) triumphalist manner that does not harmonize with Jesus’ self-understanding.

“Why is it important to read a scene from the Passion today? Does it help us grasp what the kingdom of Christ really means? (Notice Jesus’ stress on truth in this passage.) How can Jesus be both king and Suffering Servant?”