Jesus rules!

The last king under whose name Australians went to war was King George VI. George became king on the abdication of his elder brother, Edward VIII, later Duke of Windsor. George was Queen Elizabeth II’s father. Many are hopeful that Charles will succeed his mother (as Charles III or, apparently as he would allegedly prefer, George VII), and then be followed by his son, William (V). I have to admit that I’m a bit of a republican, and I my hope is that Elizabeth II will be our last monarch.

After the executions of England’s Charles I and France’s Louis XVI, it became evident that sovereignty was vested not in a singular person (sovereignty means ‘subject to no one’) but in the nation and the concept of divine kingship slowly but surely came to an end. Kingship was once the norm across Europe and in many other parts of the globe. It had its origins in small tribal groupings (and hence its relationship to the word ‘kin’). For thousands of years kings were not so much venerated for their status, but for their leadership in battle, the wisdom of their judgements and the integrity of their mercy. Kingship came late to Israel and was never a great success. There was always too much selfishness, greed, division and intrigue. David’s kingship, however much it was filled with such attributes, was seen as a highpoint in Israel’s history. David was indeed a successful commander and his constant failures appealed to those who saw him as very human. Yet it is this figure, David, who sets the mark. As Israel slowly disintegrated, they longed for a return to a Davidic kingship. The one who would bring Israel back from the brink would be a descendent of that same David. He would be a warrior-king.

In Daniel we again hear the prophecy: ‘And I saw … one like a son of man… On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and all men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants …(7:13-14).’ A king was expected, a mighty king indeed.

And yet, the disciples and evangelists saw Jesus, the son of Mary and (apparently) the builder’s son, as a king: To Pilate’s question: ‘Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replies: ‘Yes, I am a king. I was born for this. I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on my side listen to my voice (John 18:33/37).’ Jesus’ kingship is not about politics, deception and scheming, but about his leadership in truth, the wisdom of his justice, the integrity of his mercy and love, his absolute faithfulness to his father and his disciples, his deep companionship and abiding presence in the Sacraments. Jesus’ response to Pilate could not be more truly said. His kingship is not of this world (the way we live now) and yet it is here among us (in what we do).

No. A Charles, George or William is not needed in my books. Australians have a firm indentity and we see our sovereignty firmly entrenched in our nationhood and democratic institutions. The image of Jesus as king may not fit our current political preferences, yet it is rich in tradition and imagery. When we open our hearts to him, we invite him to reign in our lives; his kingship becomes paralleled with our lived Christian experience. This Sunday is the feast of Christ the King, our parish ‘feast day’. Come worship the King!