Christ the King Sunday Worship Resources for Pastors: Sermons & Liturgy

What is Christ the King Sunday?

November 22, 2026

Christ the King Sunday celebrates Jesus Christ’s kingship over all creation. Though a relatively young observance, it has been adopted ecumenically, uniting many Protestant churches with Catholics in remembering our one Lord.

Though not nearly as well-known as other Christian celebrations, it is profoundly important: it reminds Christians that we have, in the end, one Lord who has authority over all human political authorities who claim our allegiance. In our polarized and partisan times, it is a timely message.

It is also the end of the church calendar year. It brings full circle the journey that began with Advent's expectation of the coming king. The Incarnation story continues from Christmas through Easter, but does not end there. It provides an end bracket for the season that began with Pentecost—reminding us that from the Ascension on, Christ has been already enthroned — but that his kingdom has not yet been fully manifest as it will be, which ties into the themes of the Second Coming that fill the next year’s Advent.

Practically, Christ the King Sunday is an opportunity to remind Christians that we serve someone above any other king or political figure. There is no other party that can claim our ultimate loyalty. How will you teach faithful discipleship in your congregation’s own political context?

Why Celebrate Christ the King Sunday? 5 Themes for Your Sermons

This Sunday highlights vital theological themes you may wish to incorporate into your sermons and liturgy.

Christ’s Kingship as David’s Heir

Sometimes our emphasis on Jesus as savior obscures his identity as king. He is both. It was no coincidence that he was mocked as king on the cross. When Jesus called himself the “Son of Man,” he was claiming the promise of Daniel 7:13-14 of a universal and unending kingdom. Even being called "the son of God" implicates his kingship as the heir of David (see Psalm 2:7).

At the ascension Jesus takes his throne at the right hand of God (see Ephesians 4:7-10 and Hebrews 1:3-4). He reigns now and we look to his second coming for the manifestation of that reign.

Christ’s Kingship as the Son of the Father

Christ is divine. As he is one with the Father, he is also has a kingship greater than David's. He shares kingship with the Father by nature, not just by descent, a theme developed throughout the New Testament (esp. in John and Hebrews). The quote from Cyril of Alexandria above expresses this well.

The King of Justice

Jesus’ kingship is tightly connected to justice. It is no coincidence that the Nicene creed says that he “will come to judge the living and the dead” right before it says, “and his kingdom will have no end.” The two are closely connected. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 25:31-46 that it is he who will hold us accountable for what we do “to the least of these brothers and sisters of mine.” He stands at the long line of prophets who cried for justice and says, both as the heir of David and as God, “I will do it.”

If we follow Jesus, it demands that we share his concern for justice—not as judges—but as people who follow his commands.

The King of Mercy

Unlike earthly rulers who enrich themselves or create monuments to their greatness, he ruled by becoming a servant—even accepting humiliation and death—for the salvation of his rebellious people.

The King of an Unseen Kingdom

Jesus tells Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36a). Jesus does not derive his power from legions of soldiers like caesar. While Christians are not called to abstain from politics, we are also not called to establish Jesus’ reign on earth by the tools of caesar. 

Planning Your Christ the King Sunday Service

Consider incorporating some of the great hymns about Christ's kingship in your service. Favorites include "Crown Him with Many Crowns," "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," but there are many other options. Consider this playlist from Art and Theology for more inspiration.

Whether or not you regularly follow the lectionary, Christ the King Sunday’s lectionary readings are a great place to start. Below you'll find our curated Lectionary and Scripture Guides for key passages like 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Matthew 25:31-46, and Luke 23:33-43. All guides include original commentary, suggested illustrations and quotes, and (exclusive to lectionary guides) ready-to-use liturgical elements to help you prepare a meaningful Christ the King Sunday service.

We also have organized sermon and liturgy resources by theme—justice, judgment, the kingdom of God—so you can quickly find resources for crafting your sermons. Start with a 14-day free trial to access our complete library of worship resources.

Sermon and Liturgy Resources by Theme

Sermon resources accessible to all paid subscribers. Liturgy requires Complete Package subscription.