Christ The King

The Moment We’ve Been Waiting For

Christ the King Sunday, also known as the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is a relatively recent addition to the Christian liturgical calendar. It was established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Quas Primas. Here's an overview of its history and significance:

Historical Context:

Post-World War I Era:

After the devastation of World War I, the world experienced political turmoil, secularism, and the rise of ideologies such as nationalism, fascism, and communism.Pope Pius XI observed that many nations were rejecting the authority of Christ and the Church, placing worldly power and materialism above spiritual values.

Purpose of the Feast:

To reaffirm the sovereignty of Christ over all earthly powers.To remind Christians that Christ reigns as the ultimate King, not just in the spiritual realm but over all aspects of life and creation.To inspire nations and individuals to acknowledge Christ’s rule and to work for peace and justice under His authority.

I love the hero. Everyone loves the moment when the hero steps onto the scene. Think of the crescendo in your favorite movie when the hero reveals their power, overcomes the odds, and becomes everything you hoped they would be. The natural response is always—about time!

Revelation 19 brings us the ultimate moment in the story of God. Christ, the rider on a white horse, steps in as the conquering King, draped in a robe dipped in His ow blood— the Lamb has become the Lion. As C.S. Lewis wrote “He is not a safe lion but he is good.”

This is the Good News: Jesus Christ is not just a passive figure in history but the victorious King who claims ultimate authority. His reign is one of justice, truth, and love— a kingdom that overcomes every broken and flawed authority this world has ever known.

Biblical Kings and Our Desire for Authority

Israel’s Misguided Desire for a King In 1 Samuel 8:19-20, Israel demands a king “to be like the other nations.” This was not a longing for godly leadership but a rejection of God as their true King. Samuel warned them of the dangers—a king who would “take” their sons, daughters, crops, and freedom. Like Benjamin, the “ravenous wolf,” human kings often devour their people.

The Promise of a Better King Amid flawed human rulers, God made a covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7:11–12: "I will raise up your descendant...and I will establish his kingdom." This promise points to Jesus, the King from David’s line, who reigns not by taking but by giving—His life, His grace, and His truth.

Over the course of Israel’s history they have had a few good kings but only one King that chased the heart of God in his rule. David. Thus the Davidic covenant was brought by God to Israel. 2 Samuel 7:11–12 “when I appointed leaders over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. And the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make a dynasty for you. When the time comes for you to die and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your descendant—one of your very own children—to succeed you, and I will establish his kingdom.”

Christ is the victorious king who comes to rule with justice and truth.

Christ, the Victorious King

Revelation 19 paints the image of Christ as the ultimate authority. Unlike the peaceful image of Palm Sunday, here we see a warrior King—robed in His sacrificial blood, wielding justice, and defeating all that opposes His reign. This is not merely an apocalyptic vision but a reality we are called to live into now.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer recognized this truth during one of history’s darkest moments. His obedience to Christ’s authority over earthly power drove him to stand against Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer’s courage came not from his own strength but from a profound surrender to the King of Kings.

When the authority of this world comes into contact with the reign of Christ, conflict ensues. There can’t be both rule of the world and rule of God. As Jesus says “You cannot serve two masters. you will either love the one and hate the other or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon [money, possession, fame, status, or any other idolatrous work] Matt 6:24-26

Bonhoeffer states “the truest act of freedom is the willful placement of oneself under the authority of [Jesus Christ]” We are not declaring weakness nor defeat but in fact we declare a sovereign trust in God so to surrender to his protection and will, and we become vulnerable so to receive his care. We place ourselves in a vulnerable state so to bear witness to God’s provision and promise.

The Gospel: Christ Is Our Ultimate Authority

The Good News is clear: Christ has come as the victorious King. His kingdom is not one of oppression but one of freedom, peace, and truth. Where earthly rulers falter, Jesus reigns perfectly. His authority calls us to a radical realignment of our lives—not under the rule of fear, control, or rebellion, but under trust, obedience, and agency in His name.

Trust Over Fear: “Commit your way to the Lord! Trust Him! He will act.” (Psalm 37:5) We live in a world of uncertainty, but the King’s reign is secure. Trusting Him means releasing our fears and leaning on His promises.

Obedience Over Control: “A good person produces good from the good treasury of the inner self.” (Luke 6:45) Obedience to Christ transforms our hearts, shaping us into agents of His love and truth.

Agency Over Rebellion: “Offer yourselves to God as people who have been brought back to life from the dead.” (Romans 6:13–14) Submitting to Christ’s authority doesn’t diminish our freedom; it liberates us to live fully for His purposes.

So What/ Challenge

The prayer of the Church must echo the Lord’s Prayer: “Father, let your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”

Are we allowing Christ’s authority to reign in our lives?Do we live with trust, obedience, and agency in His kingdom?Are we bearing witness to His justice and truth in a world that so desperately needs a hero?

Conclusion: The Hero Steps IN

Just as every great story needs a hero, humanity's greatest need is for the One who steps in, conquers sin and death, and establishes His reign. Revelation 19 reminds us that Christ has already claimed the victory. The King has stepped onto the scene, and His authority is final. The question is: will we align our lives under His reign?

As we wait for the full realization of His kingdom, let us live with fearless faith, trusting in the King who is both mighty and good. Let our lives proclaim: "Our God reigns!"

Good News: Jesus Christ is the ultimate King, reigning with justice, truth, and love, offering freedom to all who surrender to His authority. Challenge: Submit to Christ’s reign, embody His kingdom values, and bear witness to His rule in every aspect of life.