This “Last Sunday of the End Time” closes the current church year. As we look back over this past church year, we know Jesus remained our ruling King controlling “all things for our good” (Romans 8:28). When we look forward to this new church year, we trust the same and look forward to Jesus’ second return—that day will usher us into our protecting King’s paradise. That’s why we rightly call today “Christ the King” Sunday.
Besides God the Father anointing Christ our King, Jesus also fulfilled His offices of prophet and priest (“Christ” means “The Anointed”). God’s prophets anointed Old Testament kings to rule, protect and lead people in His righteousness. So, the LORD anointed Jesus to be a unique Prophet-King who gives us the righteousness needed to enter heaven.
St. Paul reaffirms who this Priest-King is: the Son of God, the Christ, who delivers us from the kingdom of darkness and Satan. Christ our King brings us into His Kingdom of peace won for us by His blood, as He rules over all His creation. Truly, Jesus is “the head of the body, His Church.”
Finally, Luke in the gospel presents Christ the King, shedding His blood on the cross, while assuring the dying, penitent criminal of a place in His everlasting kingdom.