Feast of Christ the King


Sermon: "Christ the King: The Eternal, Sovereign, and Servant King"

Scripture Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37

Introduction:

The Feast of Christ the King marks the end of the liturgical year, a culmination that directs our hearts and minds to the ultimate reality of Jesus Christ as the King of the Universe. This celebration reminds us that while earthly kingdoms rise and fall, Christ’s reign is eternal, sovereign, and rooted in truth and love. Today’s readings from Daniel, Revelation, and the Gospel of John together present a powerful mosaic of what it means for Christ to be our King—a ruler unlike any other, whose dominion transcends the limits of time, space, and human understanding.

The prophet Daniel provides a vision that lifts the veil between heaven and earth, revealing the majestic court of the Ancient of Days. Seated on a fiery throne, God is portrayed as the eternal sovereign, surrounded by countless servants and witnesses. The scene is one of justice and glory, where every deed is weighed and every ruler stands accountable. Into this divine assembly comes "one like a son of man," who is presented before the Ancient of Days and given authority, glory, and a kingdom that will never pass away. Daniel’s vision is not merely a description of future events but a proclamation of hope for those living in uncertain times. For the people of Israel, who endured exile and oppression under foreign empires, the promise of an everlasting kingdom meant the assurance that God’s justice would ultimately prevail. Christians see in this vision the foreshadowing of Christ, who often referred to Himself as the "Son of Man." This title connects Jesus directly to Daniel’s prophecy, identifying Him as the one whose reign is universal and eternal.

As we meditate on Daniel’s vision, we are reminded that Christ’s kingdom is not like the transient and often corrupt kingdoms of this world. It is a reign of perfect justice, peace, and mercy—a kingdom that invites all people to find their true citizenship under the rule of the eternal King. The book of Revelation takes us further into the identity of Christ the King. Here, John the Apostle offers a hymn of praise that describes Jesus in His fullness: the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Each title reveals a different dimension of His kingship. He is the faithful witness who reveals the truth of God; the firstborn who has triumphed over death and opened the way for us to share in His victory; and the sovereign ruler whose authority surpasses that of any earthly power. But Revelation does not stop at declaring Christ’s majesty. It reminds us of the intimacy of His kingship, for He is the one “who loves us and freed us from our sins by His blood.” Unlike the distant and self-serving rulers of this world, Christ’s authority is grounded in His self-giving love. His reign is established not through force or conquest but through the sacrifice of the cross. The passage also looks forward to Christ’s return, when He will come on the clouds in glory and every eye will see Him. This image invites us to live with the end in mind, not in fear but in hopeful anticipation of the day when Christ’s kingdom will be fully realized. As the Alpha and the Omega, He encompasses all of time and creation, assuring us that nothing falls outside His sovereign care.

The Gospel of John brings us to the heart of the Feast of Christ the King by showing the tension between Jesus’ kingship and worldly power. In His trial before Pilate, Jesus appears as anything but a king. He stands accused, abandoned, and seemingly powerless. Pilate’s question, “Are you the King of the Jews?” carries a mixture of curiosity, skepticism, and perhaps even mockery. For Pilate, kingship is about political power and military might—concepts that seem incompatible with the figure standing before him. Jesus’ response turns Pilate’s understanding on its head: “My kingdom is not of this world.” His kingship is not based on violence or domination but on truth. “For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth.” Jesus reveals that His kingdom operates on entirely different principles than the kingdoms of this world. His authority is rooted in love, humility, and obedience to the will of God. This exchange between Jesus and Pilate captures the paradox of Christ the King. He is both the suffering servant and the triumphant Lord, the one who reigns from a throne of sacrifice. While Pilate represents the fleeting and fragile power of human rulers, Jesus embodies the eternal and transformative power of divine truth. 

The Feast of Christ the King is more than a theological statement; it is a call to action. To acknowledge Christ as King is to pledge our allegiance to Him above all else. It means rejecting the false gods of power, wealth, and status that often dominate our lives and instead living according to the values of His kingdom: love, justice, and truth. In a world that often glorifies selfish ambition and might, we are called to follow the example of our King, who reigns through service and sacrifice. As citizens of His kingdom, we are invited to embody His values in our daily lives—seeking peace where there is conflict, standing for truth in the face of lies, and extending mercy to those in need. The Feast also reminds us to live with hope. When the world feels chaotic and unjust, we can take comfort in the assurance that Christ’s kingdom is unshakable. His reign is not yet fully realized, but it is certain. As Revelation proclaims, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and His victory is already won.

On this Feast of Christ the King, we are invited to lift our eyes to the eternal King who reigns with justice, mercy, and love. Daniel shows us the majesty of His kingdom, Revelation assures us of His cosmic sovereignty and intimate love, and John reminds us of the paradoxical nature of His kingship—a reign that triumphs through the cross. As we end this liturgical year, let us recommit ourselves to living as faithful citizens of Christ’s kingdom, proclaiming His truth in a world desperate for hope. May we join the heavenly chorus in declaring: “To Him who loves us and freed us from our sins by His blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and e


ver. Amen.”

 

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