November 25, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for November 25th: 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12; Revelation 1:4-8; John 18:33-37; Theme: Christ the King John: Jesus has been captured and is bought to trial. The charge against him – being the King of the Jews. So now Pilate asks that question of Jesus – Are you the King of the Jews. Jesus has to explain once again that he has no intention of being an earthly king. He has not intention of ruling. And he is definitely not trying to threaten the power of those in charge. But in willingly going to the cross, Jesus shows us what it means to care for your people – what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice. What it means to be a spiritual king. A king has to have a kingdom. Those who follow Jesus are a part of that kingdom – the church. Christ the King teaches us to reflect on the kingdom of God and our part in it. What is Christ calling us to do for the world? How are we to follow his example? What is our role as subjects of the kingdom? 2 Samuel: Last week we read the beginning of the Samuel books, one week later we read the end. Samuel the kingmaker, has anointed David as King. David has lived a very full life and now it is time for him to pass on his legacy. He is grateful for God’s favor and mercy. He declares that the house of David shall last forever, and that there shall always be a king from his house. Little does he realize at that point that the real King – Jesus Christ should come from that house and make that prediction true. Jesus turns that prediction on its head, because he is not interested in ruling a nation, but in ruling the hearts of men. David excludes everyone else from his family, Jesus included everybody in the kingdom. David was not perfect but God loved him anyway. Jesus was perfect and God used him to increase the kingdom. It is funny how the twist and turns of history always leads us to the truth of God’s reign in our world and in our lives. Questions: What is the role of a King? If we have a president, does the metaphor of a king fit our time?