“The King Who Hated Kings” by The Rev. Kaji Douša

Well, we’ve done it again – we are wrapping up the liturgical calendar this Sunday as we celebrate Jesus’ reign. I love that, this year, the celebration falls just before Thanksgiving, because what can be better than giving thanks for Jesus’ power and majesty?

Our text this week challenges everything we assume about power. Why would Jesus subject himself to such torture when he knew, he knew he had the power to stop the authorities? Why would the King of Kings allow himself to be mocked and scorned? I’d encourage you to think about these questions as you prepare for Sunday’s worship. My working title for the sermon is: The King Who Hated Kings.

Finally, I do hope that you will join us for our annual meeting just before worship at 10:30 am. Last Sunday, we were able to hear from the Finance team details of what our budget looks like. This week, we vote on that budget. Please join us!

Pax,
Pastor Kaji

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-14,27-30 (Year W, p. 524):

¹¹ Now Jesus stood before the governor and the governor questioned him saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” ¹² And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. ¹³ Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” ¹⁴ And he did not answer him, not one word, so that the governor was greatly astonished.

²⁷ Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s command post, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. ²⁸ They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. ²⁹ And having woven a crown from thorns, they put it on his head along with a reed in his right hand and they knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ³⁰ And they spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on his head.