On today’s Feast of Christ the King we honor Jesus Christ and are reminded that we must become and be true disciples.  It might seem strange to you that we heard a gospel of Jesus suffering and dying on the Cross.  But Jesus was a king who did not send out his subjects to die for him; instead, Jesus died for his people.  Let’s see what we can learn.

Anyone who has watched movies or TV shows about criminals or the police are familiar with the concept of “Good Cop, Bad Cop” as psychological tool of the interrogation.  One cop is apparently angry and ill-mannered at the possible criminal.  The other is helpful and kind.  The idea is that the suspect will fear the “bad cop” and come to cooperate with “the good cop.”  In today’s gospel we have “good thief” and “bad thief.”  First, let’s see how they are the same; then how they differ.

They are similar in this respect: BOTH

  •  are suffering the pain, agony, and torture of crucifixion.
  •  are guilty of crimes;
  •  both see Jesus, the sign over his head calling him the King of the Jews and hear his words of forgiveness about his executioners;
  •  both desperately want to be saved from death.

Be sure to notice how they differ in their response to Jesus.  The bad thief just sees Jesus as another patsy to serve his own worldly purposes.  You can hear sarcasm, “If you are the Messiah, save yourself and us.”    It is the good thief that Luke holds up as a example for us sinners to follow.

  •  First, he doesn’t give into his friends sarcasm and blasphemy.  He’s been spending time on his cross thinking about his life.  How about us?  Do we take the time to think about out lives?
  •  Second, he feared God.  He said, “Do you not fear God.”  When the Bible speaks about “fear of God” it means “profound respect, reverence, and awe.”  That’s an attitude every believer needs.
  •  Third, he admitted he had done wrong, was guilty, and deserved punishment.  I am sure he didn’t have crucifixion in mind, but after thinking about his life and God, he realized that he did deserve some punishment.
  •  Fourth, he acknowledged the goodness of Jesus: “This man has done nothing wrong.”
  •  Fifth, he recognizes that although he is being crucified, too, Jesus IS the King of King and Lord of Lords.
  •  Sixth, he prays, “Remember me, Lord, when you come into your kingdom.”
  •  Finally, he receives forgiveness and a promise into heaven.

Today the Church celebrates and honors Jesus Christ as King of the Universe who wants to be our king as well.  For that to happen, we must fear or have profound awe of God, admit our sins,  pray, and let Jesus truly reign in our hearts.

Announcement and a Request

I am doing a Presentation on the What, Why, and How of Prayer on December 3rd at 9:15 am in DeSales Hall and Live on my Facebook Newsfeed.
HELP REQUESTED. I would like answers to these questions:
What is your definition of prayer?
Why do you pray?
Message me on Facebook or email me at pjw424@gmail.com