November 22, 2009

Breaking Open The Scriptures
Scriptures for November 22: 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37
Songs: Soon and Very Soon – UMH 706; We Will Glorify the King of Kings – TFWS 2087; He is Exalted- 2070

Revelation This is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the Christian year. This holiday was first instituted in 1925. This was a time of great turmoil- when it became okay to question the power and authority of the church. Christians needed to be reminded that indeed Christ is our king. One of the foretold signs of the endtimes is that the culture of Christ will be in direct conflict with the culture of the world. Have things gotten any better today? Revelations reminds us that Christ is not only in charge of today, but that we are waiting for the second coming, when Christ will indeed be in charge for all people.

John: All of the gospels record this conversation between Jesus and Pilate. Jesus goes on trial for his prediction of last week that the temple would be destroyed. Pilate must now ask Jesus – Are you the King of the Jews? Why has Jesus become so arrogant to pass judgement on a whole nation? But is this a question for Pilate or for Jesus? What is being asked here? What answers does Jesus give? Is Jesus our King?
Questions: What do Methodist believe about the second coming? Jesus wept – what is it about our lives, about the world that makes us cry? What reason did you come into the world? What purpose to you have to fulfill? How can Jesus help you?