Devotional for Christ the King Sunday

Reading: John 18:33–37

Pilate and Jesus stand face to face in a moment charged with power.

Pilate represents empire — authority enforced by fear, control, and military strength.

Jesus stands with no army, no weapons, no political advantage — and yet he is the one who is truly free.

Pilate asks the question: “Are you the King of the Jews?”

He wants a title he can categorise, a label he can manage.

But Jesus refuses to fit the world’s expectations of kingship.

“My kingdom is not from this world.”

Not otherworldly, but different in nature.

Christ’s kingship doesn’t depend on force or intimidation.

His authority is rooted in truth, compassion, mercy, and self-giving love.

In our world today, “power” is often noisy — shouting to be heard, insisting on being right.

But the power of Christ is quiet, steady, unshakeable:

• It lifts the poor,

• heals the broken,

• restores dignity,

• brings hope.

To say Christ is King is not just a belief — it is a loyalty statement.

It means we choose:

• the way of peace over the way of dominance,

• the way of mercy over the way of revenge,

• the way of service over the way of status.

On this Sunday, we are asked:

Which kingdom are we living in?

The kingdom of fear, competition, and self-preservation?

Or the kingdom of love, truth, and grace that Jesus witnesses to?

Christ reigns — not by forcing obedience — but by inviting hearts to be shaped by love.

May we honour him not just with our words, but with 

StF 347 – “Crown Him with many crowns”

Verse 1:

Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne;

hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless King

through all eternity.

(This verse beautifully emphasises the gentle but eternal sovereignty of Christ.)

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

King of Kings and Servant of all,

you reign not with force but with love,

not with violence but with compassion,

not with fear but with truth.

Reign in our hearts,

that we may follow your ways.

Reign in your Church,

that we may show your grace.

Reign in our world,

that justice, mercy and peace may flourish.

Give us courage to choose your kingdom,

to witness to your truth,

and to walk your path of love.

For yours is the kingdom,

the power,

and the glory,

now and forever.

Amen.