Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2024)
Illustration
2 Samuel 23:1-7
This scripture is said to be the last words of David. We are called to hear the words and know that they need to live on in us. “One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.” This call for justice remains. It is a call that lives throughout the scriptures. Justice is vitally important to the faithful followers of God. To rule with justice is to answer the call of God.
Where do we see justice here and now? Where do we call out injustice as being out of covenant with God? How do we work for justice as faithful followers of God’s covenant with us? These are important questions in our current lives. How do we assure justice, act for justice, seek justice? What will we do for justice today as we live in covenant with God?
Bonnie B.
* * *
2 Samuel 23:1-7
In this time of transition to new federal and state governments, King David’s last words seem most appropriate. They represent his vision of the legacy of what his kingdom/government was leaving behind for the world and what the future might hold. We need these words in this time of transition in America. Interpreting this text, John Wesley understands it to give us good advice on what our political leaders should be like. He wrote:
These words are a further description of the king’s [leaders’] duty, which is not only to rule with justice and piety, but also with sweetness and gentleness and condescension to the infirmities of his people; to render his government as acceptable to them, as is the sunshine of a clear morning, or the tender grass which springs out of earth... (Commentary On the Bible, p.205)
What a warm, compelling image of government. Oh how we should pray that America might function as a morning sunlight for us and all the nations.
Martin Luther also saw the text as a celebration of how God never breaks his promises, how God has maintained the eternal covenant with David, never breaks a promise. And then he closes with a reminder that we not expect too much from our government, that some things only God can deliver. He wrote:
For if you take a glimpse at history it will seem to you that God has forgotten his covenant and not kept it. David’s house and that of his descendants lies desolate and disorganized... At the same time we also observe that there always has been and always is a people that honors the name of Christ... against all the gates of hell. (Luther’s Works, Vol.15, pp.349-350)
David wishes to say:... “For neither I nor any other king ever achieved victory over death, sin, hell devil, and world; nor has any king in his rule made people righteous, God-fearing, and eternally blessed.” (Ibid., p.350)
Be careful you do not expect more from the new administration than David or God say is possible. Jesus will do the heavy lifting.
Mark E.
* * *
Revelation 1:4b-8
Today’s reading, the first eight verses, tells clearly that the purpose of the Revelation from Jesus Christ is to encourage those who are witnesses of Jesus Christ (and the word for witness is the word from which we get martyr) to persevere!
Revelation opens in the real world. The message is delivered from Jesus directly to seven churches in Asia Minor, located along a major trade route. But it’s also written to everyone. The phrase “grace and peace,” combines the Greek and the Hebrew health and shalom wishes that prefaced ancient letters.
Call to mind that the early Christians did not have a New Testament to turn to. Their scriptures were the Hebrew Bible. Phrases like “Behold, he is coming upon the clouds,” taken from Daniel 7:13, and that ultimately everyone would recognize Jesus, even those who pierced him (taken from Zechariah 12:10) were familiar phrases taken from scriptures read aloud at worship.
Frank R.
* * *
Revelation 1:4b-8
Since 1829, the song Hail to the Chief is played whenever the President of the United States enters a formal gathering. President Andrew Jackson was the first to be honored by the playing of that song. According to the White House Historical Association website, “In 1954, the Department of Defense created an official policy that made "Hail to the Chief" a tribute to the President of the United States.” In 2016, “Hail to the Chief” was played twice in ear-ringing succession at the inauguration, once for outgoing President Barack Obama and then again for incoming President Donald Trump.
Americans, throughout history, have sought to recognize and distinguish the Commander in Chief. He, and perhaps one day, she is to be hailed and honored. As I read through this text, I thought about the coming of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. His second coming will be far different than his first. John writes:
Look! He is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him,
and all the tribes of the earth will wail on account of him.
So, it is to be. Amen (vs. 7)
We honor the arrival of human dignitaries and I think we should. However, the glory of that pales to the glory of the coming again of Jesus. He will come in splendor and glory.
Bill T.
* * *
Revelation 1:4b-8
Revelation is written for those of us who are more visual rather than intellectual. It is big, it is bold, it is filled with music and dance, smoke and thunder, the smells of incense and a tremendous pageant involving fantastic creatures, and folks whose disguises are ripped away to reveal who they really are. Believers 2000 years ago were just as familiar with this genre and knew what to expect.
This is a visual book. The Jesus we meet in Revelation is the same Jesus we meet in the gospels. Vivid, living, and come to proclaim the jubilee, as he did in his visit to his hometown in Luke 4:18-19. He is the same Jesus who is proclaimed king in Luke 19:37-38, in scriptures we associate with Palm Sunday. He is the same Jesus who is the eternal word there from the beginning as proclaimed in John 1:1. He is the Lamb of God, slain and returned to the living, the first fruits of the restoration of righteousness for all creation.
Revelation is part of what we know as “apocalyptic” literature. The word apocalyptic comes from the Greek word for revealing something. It was very popular among ancient Christians and Jews. There are many examples of this writing that have survived, but in scripture Daniel, parts of Zechariah, certain chapters from the gospels like Mark 13, and Revelation are the primary examples we are familiar with.
Most people are under the impression that apocalyptic literature is written about the future but that is only partly true. Apocalyptic literature is written to encourage God’s people when they are under persecution or other types of trials. It is written to be clear to the oppressed. Although these works look to an end time when God will restore perfect justice and peace, they are mostly set in the present because our problems are in the present.
Frank R.
* * *
John 18:33-37
Jesus stands before Pilate and proclaims the kingdom of God, not of this world. Jesus proclaims that his kingdom is actually about truth, and not of the world. Jesus lives in truth, proclaims truth, anchors truth. And the truth – it is that we are a part of the family of God, God’s creation and beloved by God. We live into that truth as followers of Christ.
Jesus likely knows that his words before Pilate will lead to his condemnation by the religious leaders of the time, the empire, and those in control of the worldly power. And yet, Jesus proclaims the truth. Jesus reminds us that when we hear his words, we hear the truth, we are as anchored in the truth as Jesus is. We belong to God through Jesus, living in the truth Jesus shared. What a blessing that is!
Bonnie B.
* * *
John 18:33-37
Commenting on this test in a sermon Martin Luther offered reflections about Pilate’s enquiry concerning truth (vv.27-28). His comments paint a picture relevant to life today in the 21st century.
That word of Pilate, “What is truth?” accurately paints our age. For the way things are going, people are wondering. What is truth? What do faithfulness and faith amount to anymore in the world What is integrity? After they take your coat, next it’s your shirt the one who has a concern for truth is already lost. The one, however, who wants to climb the ladder of success needs to lie, deceive, dissemble, and betray. (Complete Sermons, Vol.5, p.412)
In a world in which truth no longer matters, in an America where life is all about “making it,” we clearly need a new reality, a new kind of kingdom. Jesus promises one in the lesson. John Calvin nicely described what Jesus’ kingdom is like. He wrote:
We are taught also, what is the nature of this kingdom; for if it made us. happy according to the flesh and brought us riches, luxuries, and all that is desirable for use in the present life, it would smell on earth, and of the world, but now though ou condition be apparently wretched, still our true happiness remains unimpaired. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/1, p.210)
Happiness is the essence of the kingdom Christ has established. Even when encountering all the ugliness that Luther describes above, we can still revel in the happiness which Christ sets before us. What can make you and me happy about Christ’s kingdom, about his kingship? Martin Luther explained this well, how in light of all Christ has done for us the only possible response is love and the happiness it brings, Luther proclaimed from the pulpit:
If someone came to my rescue in an emergency, when death threatened by fire or water, I would have to be a wretch not to feel grateful toward him…Should we not respond, my Lord Jesus Christ suffered for me; therefore in return I will love him…It is terrible for anyone to despise such a love! (Complete Sermons, Vol.5, p.474)
Mark E.
This scripture is said to be the last words of David. We are called to hear the words and know that they need to live on in us. “One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.” This call for justice remains. It is a call that lives throughout the scriptures. Justice is vitally important to the faithful followers of God. To rule with justice is to answer the call of God.
Where do we see justice here and now? Where do we call out injustice as being out of covenant with God? How do we work for justice as faithful followers of God’s covenant with us? These are important questions in our current lives. How do we assure justice, act for justice, seek justice? What will we do for justice today as we live in covenant with God?
Bonnie B.
* * *
2 Samuel 23:1-7
In this time of transition to new federal and state governments, King David’s last words seem most appropriate. They represent his vision of the legacy of what his kingdom/government was leaving behind for the world and what the future might hold. We need these words in this time of transition in America. Interpreting this text, John Wesley understands it to give us good advice on what our political leaders should be like. He wrote:
These words are a further description of the king’s [leaders’] duty, which is not only to rule with justice and piety, but also with sweetness and gentleness and condescension to the infirmities of his people; to render his government as acceptable to them, as is the sunshine of a clear morning, or the tender grass which springs out of earth... (Commentary On the Bible, p.205)
What a warm, compelling image of government. Oh how we should pray that America might function as a morning sunlight for us and all the nations.
Martin Luther also saw the text as a celebration of how God never breaks his promises, how God has maintained the eternal covenant with David, never breaks a promise. And then he closes with a reminder that we not expect too much from our government, that some things only God can deliver. He wrote:
For if you take a glimpse at history it will seem to you that God has forgotten his covenant and not kept it. David’s house and that of his descendants lies desolate and disorganized... At the same time we also observe that there always has been and always is a people that honors the name of Christ... against all the gates of hell. (Luther’s Works, Vol.15, pp.349-350)
David wishes to say:... “For neither I nor any other king ever achieved victory over death, sin, hell devil, and world; nor has any king in his rule made people righteous, God-fearing, and eternally blessed.” (Ibid., p.350)
Be careful you do not expect more from the new administration than David or God say is possible. Jesus will do the heavy lifting.
Mark E.
* * *
Revelation 1:4b-8
Today’s reading, the first eight verses, tells clearly that the purpose of the Revelation from Jesus Christ is to encourage those who are witnesses of Jesus Christ (and the word for witness is the word from which we get martyr) to persevere!
Revelation opens in the real world. The message is delivered from Jesus directly to seven churches in Asia Minor, located along a major trade route. But it’s also written to everyone. The phrase “grace and peace,” combines the Greek and the Hebrew health and shalom wishes that prefaced ancient letters.
Call to mind that the early Christians did not have a New Testament to turn to. Their scriptures were the Hebrew Bible. Phrases like “Behold, he is coming upon the clouds,” taken from Daniel 7:13, and that ultimately everyone would recognize Jesus, even those who pierced him (taken from Zechariah 12:10) were familiar phrases taken from scriptures read aloud at worship.
Frank R.
* * *
Revelation 1:4b-8
Since 1829, the song Hail to the Chief is played whenever the President of the United States enters a formal gathering. President Andrew Jackson was the first to be honored by the playing of that song. According to the White House Historical Association website, “In 1954, the Department of Defense created an official policy that made "Hail to the Chief" a tribute to the President of the United States.” In 2016, “Hail to the Chief” was played twice in ear-ringing succession at the inauguration, once for outgoing President Barack Obama and then again for incoming President Donald Trump.
Americans, throughout history, have sought to recognize and distinguish the Commander in Chief. He, and perhaps one day, she is to be hailed and honored. As I read through this text, I thought about the coming of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. His second coming will be far different than his first. John writes:
Look! He is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him,
and all the tribes of the earth will wail on account of him.
So, it is to be. Amen (vs. 7)
We honor the arrival of human dignitaries and I think we should. However, the glory of that pales to the glory of the coming again of Jesus. He will come in splendor and glory.
Bill T.
* * *
Revelation 1:4b-8
Revelation is written for those of us who are more visual rather than intellectual. It is big, it is bold, it is filled with music and dance, smoke and thunder, the smells of incense and a tremendous pageant involving fantastic creatures, and folks whose disguises are ripped away to reveal who they really are. Believers 2000 years ago were just as familiar with this genre and knew what to expect.
This is a visual book. The Jesus we meet in Revelation is the same Jesus we meet in the gospels. Vivid, living, and come to proclaim the jubilee, as he did in his visit to his hometown in Luke 4:18-19. He is the same Jesus who is proclaimed king in Luke 19:37-38, in scriptures we associate with Palm Sunday. He is the same Jesus who is the eternal word there from the beginning as proclaimed in John 1:1. He is the Lamb of God, slain and returned to the living, the first fruits of the restoration of righteousness for all creation.
Revelation is part of what we know as “apocalyptic” literature. The word apocalyptic comes from the Greek word for revealing something. It was very popular among ancient Christians and Jews. There are many examples of this writing that have survived, but in scripture Daniel, parts of Zechariah, certain chapters from the gospels like Mark 13, and Revelation are the primary examples we are familiar with.
Most people are under the impression that apocalyptic literature is written about the future but that is only partly true. Apocalyptic literature is written to encourage God’s people when they are under persecution or other types of trials. It is written to be clear to the oppressed. Although these works look to an end time when God will restore perfect justice and peace, they are mostly set in the present because our problems are in the present.
Frank R.
* * *
John 18:33-37
Jesus stands before Pilate and proclaims the kingdom of God, not of this world. Jesus proclaims that his kingdom is actually about truth, and not of the world. Jesus lives in truth, proclaims truth, anchors truth. And the truth – it is that we are a part of the family of God, God’s creation and beloved by God. We live into that truth as followers of Christ.
Jesus likely knows that his words before Pilate will lead to his condemnation by the religious leaders of the time, the empire, and those in control of the worldly power. And yet, Jesus proclaims the truth. Jesus reminds us that when we hear his words, we hear the truth, we are as anchored in the truth as Jesus is. We belong to God through Jesus, living in the truth Jesus shared. What a blessing that is!
Bonnie B.
* * *
John 18:33-37
Commenting on this test in a sermon Martin Luther offered reflections about Pilate’s enquiry concerning truth (vv.27-28). His comments paint a picture relevant to life today in the 21st century.
That word of Pilate, “What is truth?” accurately paints our age. For the way things are going, people are wondering. What is truth? What do faithfulness and faith amount to anymore in the world What is integrity? After they take your coat, next it’s your shirt the one who has a concern for truth is already lost. The one, however, who wants to climb the ladder of success needs to lie, deceive, dissemble, and betray. (Complete Sermons, Vol.5, p.412)
In a world in which truth no longer matters, in an America where life is all about “making it,” we clearly need a new reality, a new kind of kingdom. Jesus promises one in the lesson. John Calvin nicely described what Jesus’ kingdom is like. He wrote:
We are taught also, what is the nature of this kingdom; for if it made us. happy according to the flesh and brought us riches, luxuries, and all that is desirable for use in the present life, it would smell on earth, and of the world, but now though ou condition be apparently wretched, still our true happiness remains unimpaired. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/1, p.210)
Happiness is the essence of the kingdom Christ has established. Even when encountering all the ugliness that Luther describes above, we can still revel in the happiness which Christ sets before us. What can make you and me happy about Christ’s kingdom, about his kingship? Martin Luther explained this well, how in light of all Christ has done for us the only possible response is love and the happiness it brings, Luther proclaimed from the pulpit:
If someone came to my rescue in an emergency, when death threatened by fire or water, I would have to be a wretch not to feel grateful toward him…Should we not respond, my Lord Jesus Christ suffered for me; therefore in return I will love him…It is terrible for anyone to despise such a love! (Complete Sermons, Vol.5, p.474)
Mark E.
