Jesus Reigns

Summary

The sermon reflects on Christ the King Sunday, exploring what it means for Jesus to reign as King in a world unfamiliar with monarchy. It unfolds in three movements:

1. The Dream of a King
   Humanity longs for righteous rule, seen in Scripture, history, and literature—from Jeremiah’s promise of a good shepherd to cultural myths like King Arthur and The Lord of the Rings. This yearning points to our desire for justice and peace under a true King.
2. The Disillusionment with Kings
   Earthly kings and systems fail us. Israel’s history, modern politics, and personal attempts at self-rule reveal that when we reject God’s kingship, anxiety and burdens multiply. Martin Luther’s advice—“Let Philip cease to be king”—reminds us that peace comes when we surrender control to God.
3. The Deliverance of the King
   Jesus brings salvation in an unexpected way—through the cross. Like the repentant thief, we trust His plan even when we don’t understand it. Christ embodies “diverse, incomparable excellencies”: infinite majesty and humility, justice and mercy. His reign reconciles heaven and earth, uniting all people at His table.

Key Call:
Stop trying to be your own king. Embrace Jesus’ kingship, which brings freedom, peace, and reconciliation. As Advent begins, we await the once and future King who came in humility and will return in glory.