A Different Kind of King

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: LUKE 23: 33-43 (THE MESSAGE)

When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, "He saved others. Let's see him save himself! The Messiah of God—ha! The Chosen—ha!" The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: "So you're King of the Jews! Save yourself!" Printed over him was a sign: this is the king of the Jews. One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: "Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!" But the other one made him shut up: "Have you no fear of God? You're getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom." He said, "Don't worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise."

Imagine reading this text at the end of our Church year. What were those lectionary guys thinking? Aren’t we supposed to read this right before Easter with the promise of new, resurrected life looming before us? Is this really an appropriate lesson for the end of one year and the beginning of another one?

In this lesson, Luke reminds us that Jesus’ message and ministry is as authentically consistent as it ever was. Even in the face of death, Jesus lives and models forgiveness, compassion and grace. When we come to the end of our lives, what will we discover? At the end of a job, or in a time of transition, will we find ourselves hopeful in the face of change and uncertainty? What promise does this lesson leave with us?

Join us for our final worship service of the liturgical year at 10:00am at Christ Church this Sunday in which we will celebrate our participation in the commonwealth of God right here, right now. With beautiful anthems, familiar hymns and texts, this is certain to be a fantastic end to an eventful year.