The king we need

The soldiers created a wreath of thorns to crown him; they draped a purple robe of royalty around him; he was presented to the crowds: ecce homo, here is the man. On that most fateful of days, Pilate answered his own question: So, you are a king, then. And Jesus declared: Yes, I am.

This king of Calvary—the pierced one, yet first-born from the dead, and ruler for all peoples—he is the one who has brought us all into his kingly inheritance, making of us a royal household, a holy nation, a priestly people. We have been washed clean, says St John—set free, in other words, by him.

He is recognisably our king by the piercings of his body borne for us, by the wounds he received because of us, by his life given to us, and not by outward show. His glory is not seen in a crown or a robe but in the death he endured. His power is not evident in political strength but in faithful discipleship. His kingdom is not worldly, not of that kind.

What is it for us to take as our own this king? A king who accepted the humblest of beginnings; who faithfully lived by the truth; who came only to serve and heal; who took as his throne a cross? What is it to accept as our king he who gave up his life that we might have life in him?

It is, most significantly, to share in his utterly good purposes for us—that is, life to the full. It is the discovering of a hope that is sure, finding in him the grace and strength to live according to his way and truth and life. To be welcomed as his sisters and brothers; to share in his inheritance for our good: this is the shape of the dominion into which we have been invited by his kingly life.

His sacrificial offering on a cross is our sacred domain, where what is broken is healed, where what is sinful is forgiven, where what is divided is reconciled. This is a land of hope to live for, a hope by which to shape our lives. It is a home in which we might nourish those in need, welcome those estranged, free those bound up in the cares of the world. It is a kingdom of light to travel by on pilgrimage to our homeland.

You are the children of this kingdom, sisters and brothers with this king. It is your inheritance that you may share in his kingdom of justice, mercy and peace. Oh, how desperately these features are needed at this time! We have the gift and responsibility to walk according to this way.

We belong to the king’s domain and are invited to participate in transforming our culture into an image of this kingdom. Ours is a calling to seek out just ways, to offer merciful healing, to build bridges of peace and reconciliation. All of this he showed how to do from the throne of his cross. And he has called us to take our part in allowing his way to find a way among us.

Yes, indeed, Jesus Christ is a king; he is the king we need. May we take up his kingship and make it our own.