Today is Christ the "Bro" Sunday?
Okay, it's actually Christ the King Sunday.
But let’s be honest—how often do we really treat Jesus as a King? In many Protestant churches, it feels like we’ve traded the reverence due to a King for the casual comfort of a "bro" or a "best friend."
Now, don't get me wrong—Jesus as our friend is a beautiful, biblical truth. In John 15:15, Jesus says, "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." Friendship with Jesus is deeply personal and meaningful. It reminds us of His closeness, His love, and His desire for intimacy with us.
But here's the thing: friendship is just one facet of who Christ is. Christ the King Sunday reminds us of a different and equally vital truth—that Jesus reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As Revelation 19:16 declares, "On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords." This is no casual role. It’s a position of ultimate authority, power, and sovereignty.
Too often, we approach Jesus as if He’s simply "one of us"—a buddy who’s here to cheer us on, solve our problems, and make us feel good. While it’s true that Jesus understands our struggles (Hebrews 4:15), we must not lose sight of the awe and reverence due to Him as our King.
What does it mean to treat Jesus as King?
Submission to His Authority A King isn’t someone we just “hang out with”; a King is someone we obey. When Jesus commands us to love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us, or serve the least among us, we don’t get to negotiate. We submit, because He is King.
Worship and Adoration A King is worthy of worship. Christ the King Sunday is an invitation to bow our hearts and lives before Jesus, acknowledging His supreme worth. When was the last time you truly marveled at His majesty?
Living for His Kingdom A King rules over a kingdom. As His followers, we are called to live as citizens of His kingdom, embodying His values of justice, mercy, and truth in a world that often resists them.
Finding the Balance
The beauty of Christ is that He is both friend and King. We need both truths to fully understand and experience His love. But when we overemphasize His friendship to the exclusion of His kingship, we risk reducing Jesus to someone who serves us, rather than the One we are called to serve.
This Christ the King Sunday, let’s reflect on what it means to honor Jesus as both. Yes, He is close to us, walking with us through every joy and sorrow. But He is also enthroned in glory, ruling over all creation with power and righteousness. Let’s worship Him not just as our friend, but as our King.
A Prayer for Christ the King Sunday King Jesus, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude. Thank You for being our friend who walks with us and understands our struggles. But remind us also of Your majesty and authority as King. Teach us to live in joyful submission to Your will and to worship You with all that we are. Reign in our hearts and lives, Lord, and help us to live as faithful citizens of Your kingdom. Amen.