Christ_the_King_C_sermon.pdf

Devotional

Day 1: Power Revealed in Vulnerability, Not Domination

The kingship of Jesus turns our understanding of power upside down. Instead of ruling with force or demanding allegiance through fear, Jesus reigns from a place of humility and suffering. His throne is a cross, and his crown is made of thorns. In the world’s eyes, this looks like defeat, but in God’s kingdom, it is the ultimate display of love and strength. Jesus shows us that true power is found in self-giving, in the willingness to be vulnerable for the sake of others, and in the courage to love even when it costs everything.
As followers of Christ, we are invited to let go of our own ideas of success and strength. We are called to trust that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, and that the way of the cross—though it may seem foolish or risky—leads to real life. This challenges us to examine where we seek control or recognition, and to ask whether we are willing to follow a King whose greatest victory was won through sacrifice.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel pressure to appear strong or in control? How might you invite Jesus to show his strength through your vulnerability today?

Day 2: Honest Faith Begins with Owning Our Need

The second criminal on the cross offers a powerful example of honest faith. He does not pretend to be innocent or worthy; instead, he admits his guilt and recognizes Jesus’ innocence. In a moment of desperation, he simply asks, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” This humble request is not about having the right words or impressive deeds—it is about trusting in who Jesus is, even when hope seems lost.
True faith is not about perfection or performance. It is about coming to Jesus as we are, with all our failures and fears, and daring to believe that his mercy is greater than our mistakes. When we confess our need and trust in Christ’s promise, we open ourselves to receive the gift of grace that only he can give.

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to honestly admit your need for Jesus’ mercy today? Can you bring this to him in prayer, trusting in his compassion?

Day 3: The Cost of Silence and the Call to Witness

At the foot of the cross, the crowd stands silent. They are not openly mocking Jesus, but neither are they defending him or expressing faith. Their silence is a powerful reminder of how easy it is to remain on the sidelines—unwilling to risk discomfort or rejection for the sake of Christ.
There are moments in our lives when we are tempted to blend in, to avoid speaking up or taking a stand for what we believe. Yet, following Jesus means moving beyond passive observation. It means being willing to bear witness to his love, even when it is unpopular or costly. The invitation is to examine where we might be choosing comfort over courage, and to ask God for the strength to be faithful in both word and action.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been silent about your faith or values. What would it look like to speak or act with gentle courage in that place this week?

Day 4: Letting Go of Our Expectations for Jesus

Many people long for a king who will fix their problems, defeat their enemies, or let them admire from a safe distance. But Jesus refuses to be the kind of king we can control or use for our own purposes. He calls us into a relationship that is marked by intimacy, vulnerability, and transformation.
Accepting Jesus as King means surrendering our desire for control and allowing him to shape our lives in ways that may be uncomfortable. It means trusting that his way—even when it challenges us or leads us through difficulty—is the way to true life. This surrender is not about giving up hope, but about opening ourselves to the deeper work God wants to do in us and through us.

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’” (Luke 9:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to want Jesus to simply “fix things” or meet your expectations? How might you open yourself to his transforming presence instead?

Day 5: Surrendering to Christ’s Kingship Each Day

Making Jesus King is not a one-time event, but a daily journey of surrender. As one season ends and another begins, we are invited to let go of empty resolutions and instead commit, each day, to crown Jesus as Lord of our lives. This daily surrender is both simple and profound—it is the path that leads us to the promise of life with Christ, now and forever.
Each morning brings a new opportunity to choose Jesus, to trust his love, and to follow where he leads. This is not about perfection, but about faithfulness—about returning again and again to the One who gave everything for us. As we surrender, we discover the freedom and joy that come from living under the reign of a King whose power is love.

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” (Lamentations 3:40-41, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can surrender to Jesus’ kingship today—whether in your thoughts, your words, or your actions? Invite him to reign in that area as you begin this new day.

Sermon Summary

On Christ the King Sunday, we are invited to reflect on what kind of king Jesus truly is, and what it means for us to call him our King. Instead of a triumphant, majestic ruler, the gospel reading from Luke places Jesus on the cross, humiliated and suffering, surrounded by mockery and misunderstanding. The story centers on the two criminals crucified with him—one who joins in the ridicule, and another who recognizes Jesus’ innocence, calls him by name, and asks simply to be remembered in his kingdom. This moment reveals the upside-down nature of Christ’s kingship: a king whose throne is a cross, whose crown is made of thorns, and whose power is shown in vulnerability, forgiveness, and love. The sermon challenges us to consider where we find ourselves in this story, and whether we are truly ready to make Jesus our King—not just in word, but in the daily reality of our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ’s Kingship Redefines Power Jesus’ reign is not marked by displays of force or worldly triumph, but by humility, suffering, and sacrificial love. The cross, a symbol of shame and defeat, becomes his throne. This challenges us to reconsider our own ideas of power and success, inviting us to see God’s strength revealed in weakness and vulnerability. Following this King means embracing a way of life that often runs counter to the world’s values.
2. The Honest Confession of the Second Criminal The second criminal’s response to Jesus is a model of honest self-awareness and faith. He acknowledges his own guilt, recognizes Jesus’ innocence, and dares to hope for mercy. His simple request—“Jesus, remember me”—shows that true faith is not about having the right words or impressive deeds, but about trusting in the character and promise of Christ, even when all evidence seems to point to defeat.
3. The Crowd’s Silence and Our Own The silent crowd at the crucifixion represents those moments when we are neither openly hostile nor courageously faithful. It is easy to stand by, uncertain or afraid to take a stand, especially when following Jesus might cost us something. This silence is a subtle but powerful temptation, and the sermon invites us to examine where we might be choosing comfort or safety over bold witness to Christ’s kingship.
4. The Temptation to Want a Different Kind of King We often desire a king who will fix our problems, defeat our enemies, or let us admire from a safe distance. But Jesus refuses to be that kind of king. He calls us into a relationship marked by intimacy, vulnerability, and transformation. Accepting Jesus as King means surrendering our desire for control and allowing him to shape our lives in ways that may be uncomfortable, but ultimately lead to true life.
5. The Invitation to Daily Surrender Making Jesus King is not a one-time decision, but a daily act of surrender. As the church year ends and a new season begins, we are invited to let go of empty resolutions and instead commit, each day, to crown Jesus as Lord of our lives. This daily surrender is both simple and profound, and it is the path that leads us to hear, at the end, the promise of paradise with Christ.

Bible Study Guide

**Small Group Bible Study Guide: Christ the King Sunday**

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### Bible Reading

**Luke 23:33-43**
_When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”_

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### Observation Questions

What are the different ways people respond to Jesus while he is on the cross in this passage?
What does the second criminal say about himself and about Jesus?
How does Jesus respond to the second criminal’s request?
What physical symbols of kingship are present in this scene, and how are they different from what we might expect of a king?

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### Interpretation Questions

The second criminal admits his guilt and recognizes Jesus’ innocence. Why is this honest confession important in the story, and what does it show about faith?
The crowd stands by in silence, neither mocking nor defending Jesus. What might this silence represent in our own lives or in the life of the church?
Jesus’ kingship is shown through suffering, vulnerability, and forgiveness rather than power and triumph. What does this say about the kind of kingdom Jesus brings?
The first criminal and the leaders want Jesus to prove himself by coming down from the cross. Why do you think Jesus refuses to save himself in the way they expect?

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### Application Questions

When you think about Jesus as King, do you find yourself wanting him to fix your problems or defeat your enemies? How does the image of Jesus on the cross challenge your expectations of what a king should be?
The second criminal simply asks, “Jesus, remember me.” Are there areas in your life where you need to let go of trying to impress God and instead come to him honestly, as you are?
The crowd at the cross is silent. Can you think of times when you have chosen silence or comfort instead of speaking up for your faith or for what is right? What held you back?
Jesus’ power is shown in weakness and vulnerability. Is there a place in your life where you are being called to show vulnerability, humility, or forgiveness, even if it feels risky?
The sermon talks about daily surrender to Jesus as King, not just a one-time decision. What would it look like for you to “crown Jesus as Lord” in a practical way this week? Is there a specific habit, relationship, or area of control you need to surrender?
Are there ways you have tried to keep Jesus at a safe distance, admiring him but not letting him shape your life? What would it mean to let him in more deeply?
As the church year ends and a new one begins, what is one concrete step you can take to live out Jesus’ upside-down way of kingship in your daily life?

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Sermon Quotes

When God breaks into our world in the person of Jesus Christ, everything gets flipped. We have come to expect that our expectations are upside down.

Instead of white robes and a golden crown, we see Jesus stripped of his last shred of dignity, bleeding and dying under a crown of thorns, crucified between two criminals.

The second criminal knows that even death cannot prevent Jesus, the Son of God, from coming into his kingdom. He is not fooled by appearances; he knows Christ’s kingdom is not of this world.

Announcing that Jesus is King of Heaven and Earth is a lot easier than boldly proclaiming that Jesus is King of my life, or asking Jesus to remember me in his Kingdom.

It is easier to celebrate Christ the King of all creation than it is to submit to Christ the King of me.

Where we find ourselves in this story – God’s story – depends a lot on what kind of King we want.

Jesus is not the kind of king who puts on a great show of majesty and pomp, so we can admire from afar and not get too close. Jesus is the king of weakness and vulnerability.

Jesus is the king whose throne is a cross, and whose crown is made of thorns—two symbols of suffering that remind us he loves us so much, he was willing to be made fun of, to be tortured, to die for our sake.

King Jesus and Saving Jesus and Suffering Jesus are all the same Jesus. His royalty and his saving power depend on his death, even death on a cross.

You don’t need to make a long list of resolutions to prepare for the new church year. You only need one. This year, every day, make Jesus your King.

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Christ_the_King_C_sermon.pdf

Devotional

Day 1: Power Revealed in Vulnerability, Not Domination

Day 2: Honest Faith Begins with Owning Our Need

Day 3: The Cost of Silence and the Call to Witness

Day 4: Letting Go of Our Expectations for Jesus

Day 5: Surrendering to Christ’s Kingship Each Day

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Quotes

Chatbot

Christ_the_King_C_sermon.pdf

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