Christ the King

Luke 23:35-46

Before Pilate, Jesus had declared Himself king (Jn 18:35 ff.). This was enough to brand Him as both blasphemous and seditious in the eyes of the religious and civil authorities. Although He added that ‘His kingdom is not of this world’, His judges failed to understand the meaning of these words. Jesus was handed over to be put to death.

In the eyes of the authorities, He was a failed king, as the sign on the cross made clear: “This is the King of the Jews.” But the matter was more complex before the people. Through His deeds and words, and throughout His life, Jesus had borne witness to the “other kingdom”, and at the moment of His death, His words were a source of both speculation and hope for many.

Today’s Gospel presents us with a contrast between the two types of kingship. The false kind is temporal power and triumphalism. Those who expected this kind of Kingship did not understand Jesus, and never will. “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” Christ’s kingdom is not like that.

In contrast to this false vision, the Gospel presents us with the true nature of His Kingship.The good thief understood it. Perhaps purified by his suffering, he came to understand what “my kingdom is not of this world; save yourself”. He realized that this Kingdom was the only valid, absolute one. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

In the Gospel of St. John, it is worth remembering that Jesus dies entrusting people, establishing new relationships, and creating a new community (Jn 19:25-27). The final and definitive word is not that of the captain, but of Jesus (Jn 19:30).

For St. John, the cross is Jesus’ throne. Humanly speaking, it was the ultimate degradation. For St. John, death on the cross—the arrival at the depths of human misery—is the ascension of Jesus to His royal throne. Thus, He reveals God’s infinite love for the world (Jn 3:16). “From the top of the cross, Jesus becomes King and Savior of the world.” (Jn 4:42)

On the other hand, it is worth remembering what St. John points out: at the hour of death, there is no darkness. It is the hour of the great revelation. “When they lift the Son of Man, then they will understand that I am.” (Jn 8:28)

Therefore, we can affirm that Jesus is King because His message and the transforming grace that flows from His cross are the ultimate liberators. He frees everyone internally from their sins and bondage. He frees society by transforming its members and by instilling values such as justice, fraternity, peace, and the inherent value of others. These values are the foundation of any process of salvation.

Saint Luke vividly describes the agony of Jesus amid the mockery and jokes of those around Him. No one seems to comprehend His devotion. No one has grasped His love for the least among us. No one has seen the compassionate gaze of God toward human beings in His face. Suddenly, a powerful voice calls out: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” “Today, you will be with me...” An immediate response. Today, the two of them will be together, enjoying life with the Father.

Thy Kingdom come, Lord!