Revd Sara’s Reflection Sunday 24th November 2024
Bible Reading: John 18:33-37
On Christ the King Sunday, we reflect on John 18:33-37, where Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate, and we hear this interesting conversation about kingship, truth, and power. I always love the idea that this passage from the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry comes into the lectionary just before we plunge into a time of remembering and celebrating the Christmas story.
This passage invites us to contemplate the nature of Jesus’ kingdom and his style of leadership, contrasting sharply with worldly notions of authority. It’s an opportunity for us to explore what it means to follow a king whose reign defies conventional expectations. Jesus tells Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This statement invites us to think about the nature of divine authority as totally different from earthly power. Jesus’ kingdom does not rely on force or violence but is founded on the principles of love, justice, and truth. For a moment, reflect on the implications of this for your own life. How does this understanding of Jesus’ kingdom challenge the ways you interact with power and leadership? Are there areas in your life where you can promote the values of this heavenly kingdom, perhaps by advocating for justice, peace, or by showing radical love?
When Jesus declares that he came into the world to testify to the truth, and that everyone who belongs to the truth listens to his voice, he sets truth as a central pillar of his kingdom. In an era where truth can often seem flexible and elusive, amongst all the talk of fake news, this is particularly important for us to hear. As a disciple, you are called to seek the truth and to align yourself with it, even when it is inconvenient or demands sacrifice. Consider how commitment to truth affects your actions. How does truth guide your decisions, and how can you better listen to the voice of Jesus in your daily life?
Christ the King Sunday also compels us to examine our understanding of leadership. Jesus’ leadership, marked by service and sacrifice, inverts traditional images of kingship. As followers of Christ, we are called to lead by serving. Reflect on your own roles, whether in work, community, or family. How can you incorporate more service into your leadership? Think about ways you can serve others that might strengthen your witness as a disciple of Christ.
Finally, embracing a kingdom “not of this world” encourages us to live with a different set of priorities. It invites us to look beyond material success and societal approval, focusing instead on spiritual values and eternal impacts. As you go about your week, challenge yourself to prioritise the values of Jesus’ kingdom over worldly values. How can you embody the peace, mercy, and justice of Christ’s kingdom in the world around you?
How does Jesus reign as King today?
Are we waiting for him to “come again” and sort it all out for us, or are we able to find the role we have to play?
Prayer
May you go from this place,
With joy in your heart, with peace in your soul, and with the hope that comes from your faith in a story where love wins.
May you go out and meet with our, living, loving God, at work in you
Love and prayers Revd Sara
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