What Do We Expect in a King?
Since long before the birth of Jesus and the beginning of what is now called Anno Domini (A.D.) or C.E. (the Common Era), strongmen and sometimes powerful women have ruled over peoples and lands. Typically, these people gained power through violence and then became rich from the trade goods and taxes that flowed through their lands and into their treasuries.
Recently, I have been reading The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, by Peter Frankopan. Published nearly a decade ago, the author reaches back over 4,000 years, to the kingdoms of the Fertile Crescent and the Code of Hammurabi, King of Babylon. Far from Europe being the center of power and influence in the world, the lands from Mesopotamia to China and Mongolia were rich and powerful. Trade, learning, technology, science – all were thriving along the Silk Roads between Asia and Europe. Strongmen led warriors in conquest of neighboring lands again and again, well into the present as newer lands have become the great powers. I haven’t yet finished reading it, but I look forward to continuing to enjoy it.
This all comes to mind as we arrive at the last Sunday of the Christian year, the celebration of Christ the King of the Universe.
What do we expect in a king? Historically, kings were the ones strong enough to conquer and hold lands. When their sons inherited the throne, they too were expected to be warriors, to defend their lands and take lands from others as well whenever possible. They were men to be feared. Their whims were law and their anger deadly. Marriages of rulers were arranged to create alliances between kingdoms. When for any reason the marriage did not work out, or no male heir survived to take over kingship, the kingdom was shaken and many lives were forfeit.
Today we expect someone who will lead and govern justly. Many monarchies share governing power with elected representatives of the people they govern. The British monarchy is an example of this. The king no longer has unbridled power over life and death for his subjects, but they are still called subjects.
Autocratic leaders, often elected by citizens of their nation, are more like the kings of old. Their favor brings power and riches to those who serve them and obey their wishes. Those who oppose them, find themselves in exile or in prison, often for life.
So, if this is what a king is, why would we celebrate Christ as King?
When Jesus was arrested and taken to trial in the Sanhedrin, he was questioned about whether he claimed to be the Son of God and the Messiah. When asked directly, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus answered, “I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mk 15:61-62). For this statement, he stood condemned for blasphemy.
Jesus’ words echoed the account of the prophet Daniel as he described the visions he had seen through the night. “I saw one like a Son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven…” This Son of man was presented to the Ancient One and given “dominion, glory, and kingship” over all peoples in the world, an unending, unlimited kingship. (Dn 7:13-14)
Despite having been convicted of blasphemy, Jesus was not to be executed by his own people. Roman authorities had to authorize any execution. However, blasphemy was not a crime that would incur the death penalty, let alone crucifixion.
When the authorities took Jesus to the Procurator, Pontius Pilate, the crime of which he was accused was treason – the claim to be a king. Pilate interrogated Jesus before passing judgement. “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus responded by asking whether Pilate wanted to know for himself or only to establish a legal point. Pilate’s rather exasperated response was that it was the chief priests who had handed him over. “What have you done?”
Jesus did not deny being a king, but he pointed out that the kingdom in question was not an earthly one. None of his followers were fighting to protect or rescue him. “Then you are a king?” said Pilate. “You say I am a king,” responded Jesus, a formal way of saying “Yes.” He then explained that he came into the world “to testify to the truth.” (Jn 18:33b-37)
Jesus was condemned. The sign above his head read: “Jesus the Nazorean, The King of the Jews.”
A king whose kingdom is not lands and power but truth and justice. Not justice that punishes those who try to take lands or power from him. Justice that assures the poor have food and shelter and a chance to live their human dignity. Justice that protects children and refugees. Justice that opens hearts to love and accept those who are different than themselves. Justice that welcomes all and cares for the earth and all of creation. Justice that speaks truth to power, as Jesus did to Pilate. Justice that is a testimony to the truth of God’s love for all.
This is the King of the Universe whom we celebrate. The one whom the visions of Revelation acclaim. “Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.” He is the one “who loves us and has freed us of our sins … made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father.” (Rv 1:5-8) He is the one who calls us to live the Beatitudes. The One who himself healed the sick, fed the hungry, comforted the mourning, and gave himself in witness to the truth.
A far cry from what we usually expect in a king. Yet he is the King who chose us and whose example we are called to follow. Thanks be to God.
Readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – Cycle B
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