“Aren’t you the pastor of Tallowood? We loved your Christmas program. I come every year.” I was surprised by these happy words as I stood in line to vote. Periodically, someone will remind us of who we are. By the way, who are you? Are you what you do? Is your identity found in family, or work, or your gifts?
Pilate, a Roman Governor knew all about the emperor of Rome, but today he came face to face with the King. He did not dilly dally as he asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” “You have said it,” Jesus answered. When he realized why the high priest had brought Jesus, he offered to release the King of the Jews. The crowd shouted, “Crucify him.” Later, the soldiers dressed him in a mock royal robe, plaited a crown of thorns for his head and crucified him. His opponents mocked him, “Let the King of Israel come down from the cross.” This is no way to treat a King.
As we draw closer to Holy Week in this season of reflection, we ponder, “Who is our King?” All across the country election results pour in. The United States will have a new President by the end of this year. Whoever wins that contest, Jesus will still be King in heaven. He will reign not for four years or eight but for . . . ever. So who are we today? And how will we serve our King?
