Christ the King or Reign of Christ (2025)

Otterbein Church of Paris

*Opening Prayer

Call to Worship

(based on Psalm 46)

Leader: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

People: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way.

Leader: Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts.

People: The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

All: Amen.

Hymn #185 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Scripture Reading

Colossians 1:11-20 Ken

Colossians 1:11–20 NIV

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Hymn #74 Majesty

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

Lord's Prayer

Children's Message - Kolaya

Scripture Reading

Luke 23:33–43 NIV

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Sermon - “The King Who Reigns from the Cross”

The Jewish religious leaders were celebrating. The Roman government was satisfied that another attempt at overthrowing their government was squashed. The rest of the population expected this was the last they would hear from Him. According to Luke 23:49 “But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.”

But everyone thought with this one act, this chapter of life had come to a close. Whether for good or for bad, they thought this was the end.

But not everyone was ready to give up. At least not the criminal on one side of Jesus. Hanging beside Him, the thief begins to cry out. “If you really are the Messiah, use your power to save yourselves, oh and us too.”

But the other criminal spoke up. “How can you say this? How can you talk to Jesus this way. You and I are here because we deserve to be. But not Him. He has done nothing wrong.”

Then this second criminal makes an interesting request considering the circumstances. Remember me when you enter your kingdom.

In the midst of the crucifixion, this criminal sees Christ, not as He appears but as He truly is. The King. And the cross becomes a throne as Christ responds, “today you will be with me in paradise.”

And what the crowds of people, the religious leaders, the Roman government, the masses of onlookers and even the followers of Christ did not realize is this was not the end of the story.

The Jews wanted a king who would save them now. The Romans feared a king who would overthrow them. Even His own disciples hoped for a king who would reign beside them. But none of them imagined a King who would save the world through a cross.

The truth is, in that moment, Christ was doing exactly what He was supposed to be doing. This was what He had come to do. His death on the cross is what opened the gates of Heaven so all may go in. What He did was greater than what the religious leaders hoped for, what the Romans feared, and the dreams His followers had. In this single act, He demonstrates He is the King of Kings.

Praise Song King Of Kings

Sermon (cont’d)

10. in that moment—on a cross, between two criminals—Jesus revealed His kingship not by coming down, but by giving Himself up.

His throne was a cross.

His crown was made of thorns.

His victory was the opening of Heaven.

A king greater than the Jews hoped for, greater than the Romans feared, greater than His disciples imagined.

A King who still turns endings into beginnings, and still says to anyone who calls out to Him, ‘You will be with me.’”

Giving of Tithes and Offering

Doxology

Prayer of Dedication

Hymn #234 Crown Him With Many Crowns

*Benediction

May you go now in the power of the One whose throne was a cross and whose crown was love.

May the crucified and risen King open your eyes to see His kingdom at work even when the world says the story is over.

And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you, now and always.

Amen.

Sanctuary