Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, November 24, 2024, The Reign Of Christ.
In this Sunday’s sermon, I invite us to explore the clash between earthly power and God’s kingdom as seen in Jesus’ trial before Pilate in John 18:33-38. We will reflect on how the allure of control shapes our world today, and how we can embody Christ’s love, grace, and mercy as citizens of God’s eternal kingdom.
Today’s Opening Sentence
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! – Mark 11:9-10
Today’s Reading – John 18:33-38
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?”1
Your Online Message and Prayers
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Reflection questions for the week:
- In what areas of your life do you feel the pull of control, compromise, or fear? How might God be calling you to let them go and trust in God’s truth and love?
- Pilate asked, “What is truth?” How do you discern and live out God’s truth in a world that often prioritizes convenience or self-interest over integrity?
- How can you embody the qualities of God’s kingdom (love, grace, and mercy) in your daily life? What small, practical steps can you take to reflect Christ in your actions this week?
- When faced with the realities of worldly power, whether in politics, work, or relationships, how can you respond in ways that reflect Jesus’ example of humility and steadfastness?
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ↩︎