Christ the King!
We’ve just finished up our series on “All Things New” and spent last week meditating on God call for all of us to be on mission to the world. Next Advent season begins, and wedged right in between is “Christ the King” Sunday.
One of my favourite Hymns has the words “the Lord is King let the heavens ring, God reigns let the earth be Glad” - a wonderful line to praise God with on any Sunday, and a fitting word of praise on Christ the King Sunday. Jesus is the one who has come and taken up the throne. He did it in the most unexpected way imaginable - by being obedient to the point of death, even death on a Roman cross. Today we’re taking a look at the “unexpected” theme as it continues down into the way this unexpected King judges the earth. We’re wrestling with a difficult text this week, but it’s one that broadens and deepens our appreciation and praise of the King of all kings.
Anchor Texts:
Matthew 25:31-46 ESVUK - The Final Judgement
Daniel 7:9-14 ESVUK - The Ancient of Days Reigns
Micah 6:8 ESVUK - He has told you, O man, what is good
Read the Matthew and the Daniel Passage - identify the similarities. What are the key differences? How does Matthew give us a clear picture of the fulfillment of Daniel? (For example - who is on the throne in Matthew compared to Daniel?)
Do you feel the judgements against the two groups of people are fair? Why or why not?
If we’re confident that Jesus doesn’t judge us purely based on “works” how would you explain what’s going on here? Pastor Nate gives an explanation in the sermon this week (review the notes below or the sermon YouTube) - could you put it in your own words?
What could our response be to the warning of this passage? Pastor Nate talked about our access to Jesus on the throne today - what is different about that now versus this future judgement scene?
The Theme in Song:
Songs continue to be written across the world in every language, by people of every nation that all proclaim the reign of Jesus the Messiah! Here’s one of them for you to listen to today.