Today is Christ the King Sunday. Upon first reflection, it may seem strange for us, as American citizens, to claim and even acknowledge that we are under the rule of a King, but we should remember two very important facts. The first is that we are not just American citizens, for we are also Christians. And as such we have professed a faith in a higher authority than any to ever be found among the humans of this world. Secondly, we are among the believers and the followers of Jesus Christ who are not only expecting his return, but are also looking forward to openly acknowledging him as our King.
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew (25:31-46), we hear about the coming day of the final judgment. Matthew begins this disclosure by telling everyone that the Son of Man will be seated in full glory on the Throne of Judgment; for it is before this throne that every single member of humanity will be required to await the final judgment to be pronounced by Jesus himself.
What is the criterion for judgment? Will we be required to repeat from memory one or all of the Affirmations of Faith found in the back of our United Methodist Hymnals? Will we be required to list all of the Ten Commandments? Will we be required to show all of the accounts to prove our tithe? Which one of the Old Testament Laws did I violate? Having broken it, did I remember to make the correct sacrifice? How many wrong answers do I get before I am actually thrown into the pit? What is the criterion for this final judgement?[1]
Jesus tells everyone who would be willing to listen and understand the implications, just exactly what the final judgment will be like. Those who will be invited to inherit the kingdom are the ones who have given him food, drink, welcome, clothing, care, and visitation. Those who will be required to depart into the eternal fire are the ones who have not given him food, drink, welcome, clothing, care, and visitation.
It is interesting that both groups of individuals responded with the same question; “Lord, when was it that we saw you …?”[2] Both those who are invited to inherit the Kingdom and those who are sent away are claiming that they never once saw Jesus in any state of distress or need. But the reality is found in his answer; “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”[3]
Please don’t misunderstand my words or the Scriptures. Jesus is not giving a new list of things to do. Rather Jesus is talking about our attitude ... our attitude towards God … our attitude towards each other … and our attitude toward ourselves. If we are willing to embrace this attitude of reaching out to all of our brothers and sisters in the world, then we will understand more clearly this lesson given to us by Jesus.
In closing I wish to share two thoughts. The first is from Paul’s letter written to the Ephesians, “so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints.”[4] And the last is the first verse of Hymn 441: “What does the Lord require for praise and offering? What sacrifice, desire, or tribute bid you bring? Do Justice; love mercy; walk humbly with your God.”[5]
[1] “… the criterion of judgment is not confession of faith in Christ. Nothing is said of grace, justification, or the forgiveness of sins. What counts is whether one has acted with loving care for needy people. Such deeds are not a matter of ‘extra credit,’ but constitute the decisive criterion of judgment presupposed in all of verses 23-35 …”
The New Interpreter’s Bible Volume VII, © 1995 by Abingdon Press, Nashville. Page 455
[2] Matthew 25:37 and 44 NRSV
[3] Matthew 25:40 & 45 NRSV
[4] Ephesians 1:18 NRSV
[5] Albert F. Bayly, 1949; alt. UMC Hymnal © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. Number 441.
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