24th Sunday after Pentecost Luke 23:33-43

The Upside-Down Kingdom

The final Sunday of the church year is often called Christ the King Sunday. As we move towards Advent, the lectionary readings typically grow more eschatological, focusing on Christ’s return and the restoration of all things. Yet here, at the end of the church year, our focus is drawn to Christ’s crucifixion. We are reminded that the resurrected and ascended Christ of glory is the same Jesus of Nazareth who was beaten, humiliated, crucified, and died. In his resurrection, Christ still bears the scars of the cross (John 20:27; cf. Luke 24:39).

If ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8), then the eschatological kingdom in its fullness shares the same character as the kingdom he proclaimed in his…

1. As you read or hear the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, which aspect stands out to you the most?

2. Where do you place yourself in this story?

3. Do you find it easy or difficult to hear Jesus’ words in verse 34 and 43 as addressed to you personally? Why (or why…