Christ the King Sunday: Gospel, Matthew 25:31-46          

Matthew 25:31-46

Once again. We are on the threshold of the final Sunday of the Church year. God is faithful. Faithful to meet us where He has promised: in the gathering of saints to receive His good gifts. Those include the gospel of Jesus preached and received in the waters of Holy Baptism and in the very body and blood of the Savior given and shed FOR US. Why would His people want to be anywhere else? The certain, objective realities of what Holy Scripture declares have not changed a wit in the past twelve months of Sundays. But oh, how the world continues to shift. Among the many remedies given to us to stand when the world would attempt to sway us is this: Jesus is King.

Upon first glance at our gospel for the final Sunday we would likely say, “Oh this is about Jesus judging the world.” Even the publisher-given heading in my Bible reads, “The Final Judgment.” And yes, there is definitely a nod here to the judge’s gavel. But that comes after something else altogether is declared:

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne” (Matthew 25:31).

Jesus, upon his return, is enthroned. Jesus reigns. Jesus is King, our King, even before He is our judge. And we dare not read over these words lightly. Jesus can judge precisely because He rules. And there are no limits to the power of His scepter. At this close of another year in time, let us remember as the people of God. We have a King. A benevolent, merciful King. Perhaps it might be a good thing to take a moment to, if possible, physically bow or kneel before Jesus right where you are. And if that is not possible, to bow your heart before Jesus, the King.