What comes to mind for you first when you hear the word “king”? What do you picture a king to be?

In the Gospel today Jesus paints us a picture of His Kingship for us. It is an intriguing passage as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.

“Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” I am sure that these words would have unsettled Pilate. ”What is this guy talking about?” I would think that these words would have struck his heart as they should ours today. Yet it is not only in his words that Jesus reflects his spiritual authority and influence, but in his actions. Right here Jesus reveals the secret to his Kingdom. In stark comparison to the power and control that Pilate wields at Christ’s judgement Pilate encounters Jesus Christ in an intimate moment where Jesus doesn’t lash out with worldly influence but reveals himself through intimacy and humility. This is what makes God’s kingdom so unique to all other worldly kingdoms.

His words, and his actions, call us to intimacy; in listening to his voice we are compelled to be led by what is true into communion with him, hearing and heeding his ceaseless invitations. His words, and his actions, also call us to humility; recognizing a higher authority than ourselves in our acts of discovering, accepting, and conforming to what is truth in our lives. But only if we let these words settle and touch the deepest parts of our souls, that long for more, can we aspire to this calling. And only if we have the courage to obey the truth and expose ourselves to His great love.

“Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

We celebrate today calling Christ the King of the Universe. But is he truly your king?

I believe Pilate was indeed touched by Jesus’ love, but he failed to have the courage to embrace it. Our lives are meant to bear witness, the courage of a living witness, to the truth that is God’s Kingdom.

I encourage you to reflect on this today; Is Christ truly the King of your heart? Is Christ the King of your household?

Scripture for reflection:

Daniel 7.13-14

Psalm 93

Revelation 1.5-8

John 18.33b-37