The Last Word

John 18: 33-39

During WWII Hitler was occupying many countries in Europe. Denmark was one of them. An order was issued that every Jew in Denmark should wear the Star of David in yellow.

The King of Denmark was against this. In order to protest against this event, he asked all his Danish people to wear the Star of David for solidarity. “We all are Danish,” he said.

He became an example by wearing it himself. All the people followed the king, putting their life in jeopardy.

What a beautiful story. There is one problem though; it is not true. It is a false story that goes around, like all the false sorties that go from computer to computer on the internet.

I WISH WE HAD KINGS LIKE THE ONE IN THE STORY WHO HAVE MORAL STNADARDS.

When we look back at the history of the world and at even today’s leaders, unfortunately, we find only few who are interested in serving their people.

Today is the last Sunday of the Christian calendar. Next Sunday we start with Advent. This Sunday is called “Christ the King.”

Jesus Christ, “the King” facing King Pilate.

The situation is as if King Pilate had the final word, the last word. Many think that way, that it was up to Pilate to spare Christ’s life.

Who is Pilate? He represents the kingdoms of the world. He was not a very popular king. In fact, the Jews did not love him.

-He brought the Caesar’s image to the Jewish temple. The high priest Caiaphas ordered 2000 praying Jews to surround this image with 24 hours of constant prayer. Pilate was angry and eventually moved these images.

-He used the temple money for providing a new system for fresh water. That was another big “No” for the Jews.

He was not a very popular man. Therefore, he wanted to become popular. He was ready to do anything to become popular.

It reminds me of the time before elections in Lebanon. New candidates for the Parliamentary elections would do anything to become popular. They would visit hospitals, help the poor, make better roads…. etc. Once they were elected all the visits, the humanitarian services disappeared. In fact, the word “king” is not very positive image in our society.

On the other hand, we do establish “kingdoms” in our homes, jobs, and church life. Who has the “last word”? Who is the boss? Who is the ‘king’ of the home?

This vocabulary, we can understand. It is very real to everyone.

To have the last word is authority. It is to have power. You are the manager, the CEO, the parent… etc.

When we think about Jesus as King, we find out that He demonstrates a different kind of authority. When the calendar is shows that this Sunday is “Christ the King”, it means the last word is Christ’s. But when we look at our passage, it seems that Pilate has the last word. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” (John 19:10)

Obviously, we have two kinds of kingdoms, with two different life styles, values, authorities, and priorities.

One kingdom is based on sword, the other is based on the power of Agape Love.

One kingdom is based on accumulating wealth and prestige. The other can say “blessed are the poor.” It is based on giving instead of receiving.

One kingdom believes that the strong shall dominate and rule the weak. The other believes that strength is in serving, being last. The strong learns to serve the weak.

One always speaks about justice, vengeance, eye for an eye. The other handles justice in a different way by demonstrating and offering grace and forgiveness. It gives a different dynamism to human relationships by teaching to forgive your enemies.

One believes that one has to be strong to be like gods. You have to prove yourself. The other believes that with humility and realizing our sinful nature, and by the Grace of Jesus and repentance we can go to God and call him “Abba” Father, Daddy, who will accept us through His son Jesus Christ the king. Therefore we will be adopted by the King of Kings who calls us friends, sons-daughters, heirs of the king.

You see two different kingdoms with different priorities and styles.

Is Jesus Christ your KING?

Do you believe that this kind of King is what the world needs?

Let me go back to our story.

One can think that Pilate had the last word. Did he or the crowd have the last word, Did his prestige or his greed have the last word?

Who was controlling Pilate?

He was disturbed by his dreams. He was warned by his wife. He did not find anything wrong with Jesus. In the end, he gave up and he washed his hands. He was also confused and wanted to know the truth. Where was the truth? So let me ask you again who had the LAST WORD?

If Pilate had the last word, why is Jesus alive today?

God has the last word. God raised Jesus from the dead and whatever was written on the cross was reality: Jesus Christ is the King.

Now it is up to you to believe or reject.

There exist many earthly kings. We need to pray for them and not worship them. We have one King to worship- Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Jesus’ authority was questioned during his time and even today. We read in Mathew 21:23 that chief priests and elders came and asked him: “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

People saw a new authority, an authority that they were expecting, the Messiah. Others refused to see his authority. They refused to see the Messiah, the Messiah they were waiting for long time and still waiting.

Who is Jesus for you on this last Sunday of the church calendar?

He is my Messiah, my king, my Lord of Lords. I accept His authority and obey Him. Everyone who has this experience enjoys the presence of God in their life. Christ is the KING. Amen