Holy Innocents Church Chicago IL

When Pilate interrogated Jesus before sentencing him to death, he probably had a very specific goal in mind. Perhaps he hoped Jesus would say something inflammatory enough to justify his execution. Perhaps Pilate wanted him to go in the exact opposite direction so he would have a reason to exonerate Jesus. Whatever the case, it seems clear that Pilate and Jesus are talking about two very different things when they speak about kingship.

Pilate may want to know if Jesus sought some form of rebellion or if he was simply insane enough to think he could liberate the Jewish nation from Rome. Pilate displays no knowledge of anything spiritual or supernatural. This isn’t terribly surprising. Actually, I’d have been more surprised to see the Roman governor reach for any definition of king that wasn’t earthly and political.

Jesus tried to help Pilate understand his reality: “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” Nor does it belong to this world’s categories and understandings. Jesus takes a meandering path to a place where he can reply, “You say I am a king,” but even then he refuses to surrender. He wants to explain himself, and he wants his answer in the brain of the Roman: “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.”

I have always been uncomfortable with using the regal titles (Lord, King) for Jesus. It’s not so much because I think he doesn’t deserve them as because too many Christians have gone the route of Pilate in misunderstanding the sort of kingship Jesus wants. They have used it, and in some ways continue to use it, to justify their own political lordship and kingship. Whenever Christians have done such a thing throughout history, they have distorted the truth to which Jesus testified.

Ever since this liturgical year began on the first Sunday of Advent, we have been hearing Jesus describe himself, mostly in the words of the Gospel of Mark. As Mark portrays him, Jesus comes to serve others (as a preacher, healer, and bringer of reconciliation, among other ways) and to sacrifice himself on the cross for the sake of everyone’s salvation. Even though we end our liturgical year by dipping back into the Gospel of John, Mark’s strong statements resonate when Jesus says, “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

As the John of Revelation writes, Jesus “loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” If we listen to his voice and follow the example of his actions, we will strive to serve others and to sacrifice our own selfish needs for their good. Instead of seeking earthly power or authority over others, we will care enough to place them first, to touch them with our love, and to bless them.

That’s when we will know without doubt the truth of what the kingship of Christ means.

God bless you!

Father Phil Cyscon