In this Sunday’s Gospel, while on trial before Pontius Pilate, Jesus acknowledges that he is a king—but that his kingdom is “not of this world.”
In some ways, it is challenging to see Jesus as a king. Jesus warned his followers against desiring to be at the top of hierarchies. He himself was a servant, and he taught them to serve others. In this world, power is often wielded harmfully against one’s enemies. In that regard, Jesus is an unkingly kind of king. He rode a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, parodying a Roman celebration of kingship. He was also crucified and mocked as a “King.”
In the preface for this Sunday’s feast, Christ’s kingdom is described as “a universal kingdom, a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.” How can we help others recognize that Jesus Christ (and not any political leader or powerful figure) is king? We do so by living as though we are already members of that kingdom—by being coworkers with our king in building it. We work to challenge injustice, and we are loving and truthful in all that we do. We care for the entire universe and all creation. We do it by putting God’s law of love above the laws of earthly “kings” and governments. We put our hope in God—not in any political leader or party. As Christ is King of the Universe, we care for creation, seeing all creatures (and creation itself) as part of our family. One day, all of creation will be renewed.
We point others to Jesus Christ the King by acknowledging that God will have the final word on all things. Every earthly empire will end. Every evil will be swallowed up. We look forward to that day when the unkingly Christ will welcome into his kingdom those who lived as though that kingdom was already here and those whose lives pointed others to Christ.