November 23 , 2025
Christ The King
Scripture Readings
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Jeremiah 23:1-6
Coming of the shepherd and righteous Branch who will execute justice
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Psalm 46
I will be exalted among the nations. (Ps. 46:10)
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Colossians 1:11-20
Hymn to Christ, firstborn of all creation; peace through his blood
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Luke 23:33-43
Jesus is crucified between two thieves: you will be with me in Paradise
Introduction
Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.
Hymns:
855 Crown Him with Many Crowns
377 Lift High the Cross
634 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
Anthem:
Every Knee Shall Bow – Lloyd Larsen
Communion Hymns:
838 Beautiful Savior
616 Jesus, Remember Me
Commentary
Who Is Jesus?
Jesus’ true identity seems to remain a mystery for most of the disciples. Jesus can teach, preach, heal, cast out demons, challenge authority and more, but still they do not comprehend. You might say it is a case of mistaken identity as the disciples and other followers seem to be hoping to discover something very different from the real Jesus. It is the criminal executed with Jesus who in his dying desperation says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Clearly, the criminal has no other hope, still in this moment he acknowledges Jesus’ true identity.
Modern followers of Jesus resemble those ancient followers in many ways. Everyone has their own image of Jesus, the gifts we want Jesus to bring us, the ways we want Jesus to fix those things in our lives that cause pain or suffering. In our anxiety we want Jesus to be our magical savior. It can be frustrating when we discover a very different Jesus. Instead of one who fixes everything in an instant, Jesus is the one who walks with us through the darkest valleys. Jesus is the one who calls us to lives of service—and again and again as we care for the needs of others we discover the face of Jesus himself in the lost, the last, and the least.
Our sin gets in the way, yet those who profess Jesus as Christ the King—the one in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell—are forever seeking to be clear in heart, mind, and soul about the true nature of his identity, and how we can share that identity with others.
Prayer for the Fall Season
Loving God, we give thanks for the gift of work and the many forms it takes to sustain our lives. We pray for all who labor, from those laboring in the fields to feed the world and for those who work in mines, factories and offices to those who care for families and communities, that their efforts may bring dignity and honor to Your name.
We ask for strength for the weary, wisdom for the diligent, and compassion for those who labor in difficult conditions or for less than fair compensation. Open our hearts to see the injustices that trouble you and to act with courage to create systems of work that are just and fair for every worker.
Guide us to treat one another with kindness and respect, building relationships that foster unity rather than division. Lead all people to embrace compassion for one another. Help us to listen and to share differing perspectives without retribution. May we remember our accountability to each other and be responsive to the call to serve our neighbors, both near and far.
We pray for children everywhere as they begin new school years. Already we have witnessed to the death of children as they were praying to you, another shooting at a high school resulting in more deaths and an assasination at a university event. Help us to have the courage to enact sane gun laws that protect all from unnecessary gun violence and death understanding that we do not have to give up our right to bear arms to make this world a safer place by revising and improving our gun laws.
You know all those things that weigh heavily upon us O Lord. Help us to find joy in little things, and hope to sustain us through the days ahead.
Draw us in love to you. Fill us up with your Spirit and your wisdom. Give us the energy and the will to follow you and to rise up against tyranny, injustice and hate. Make us generous and compassionate in our service to others.
We thank you for all those who minister and lead your people in praise, thanksgiving and faith. Bless their ministries and help us to appreciate their talents and gifts of service.
As we rest this day, we lift up our families and our communities. Grant us the grace to recognize the blessing in our labors and to live in a way that brings praise to you, in all we do, and in all the days to come.
Amen