Christ the King Sunday invites us to reconsider what ittruly means to call Jesus “King.” In the Gospel, the title is usedmockingly—“If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself”—yet Jesus transformsthe meaning of kingship. Unlike earthly rulers who preserve their own power,Christ reveals kingship through sacrifice, service, and love. By refusing tosave himself, Jesus shows us a leader who saves others, offering comfort andreassurance even in suffering and death.

This message echoes the covenantal call of the OldTestament, where God desired to be Israel’s true ruler, and the propheticwarnings of Jeremiah, who envisioned a kingdom rooted in righteousness. Jesusembodies this relational, Trinitarian way of living, inviting us intoreciprocity, forgiveness, and authentic community.

To proclaim “Christ is King” is to embrace a kingdom not ofdomination but of love, where power is used for others. It challenges us toreorder our lives and society to reflect God’s covenantal kingdom ofreciprocity, service, and grace.

• Christ the King Sunday sermon
• Jesus as King meaning
• Kingdom of God vs earthly kings
• Jeremiah prophecy righteousness
• Trinitarian relationship with God
• Christian covenant and reciprocity
• Gospel reflection on kingship
• Christ’s sacrifice and leadership
• Progressive Christian sermon
• Kingdom of love and service

This sermon was preached on the Last Sunday After Pentecost (Year C), November 23, 2025, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington. The preacher was the Rev. Theresa Newell, Priest in Charge.

All are welcome to participate fully at Redeemer.
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✅All religions.
✅All countries of origin.
✅All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.
✅All genders.

The Episcopal Church welcomes you.