(Audio)
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."
Here is our King. But this is not kingship as the world understands it. This is not the assertion of power over those too weak to resist. In fact, it is the opposite. The King who is the image of the invisible God, in whom were created all things, who has all power and authority (see Matthew 28:18), lays down his rights and does not rely on his strength. Though he is King he chooses to be a servant.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet (see John 13:14).
Jesus is teaching us what it means to be a part of his Kingdom. It does not mean using our power to force detractors into submission. It means, service, love, and self-sacrifice.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
Being part of the Kingdom means the willingness to offer our lives for others. This is how we begin make the Kingdom manifest on earth. It is in this way that God's presence in us is revealed.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
There are many who are still trapped in the power of darkness. God wants to show them the way to the Kingdom of his beloved Son, the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He wants to lead us all as the Good Shepherd who leads us in the green pastures of his Kingdom. How can we assist the LORD and allow him to use us to help accomplish this purpose?
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."
We give ourselves in love. This is what ultimately opens the eyes of all those who are searching. Jesus does not hide the truth of who he is. He speaks and proclaims it. But he does not rely on that alone. Nor even does he rely on his signs and wonders. It is in this ultimate sign, the only real sign he gives, that his Kingship is made known. So too for us. We must speak the truth, must always be ready to give a reason for the hope within us (see First Peter 3:15), but even more to be ready to lay our lives down in love.
Giving our lives away in love sounds burdensome. But emphatically, it only sounds that way when we are preoccupied with ourselves. Instead, let love of the King and his Kingdom fill us. Then we will move forward with joy.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
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