Introduction to the Word for Worship
Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37, ESV)
Pilate is both relieved, and provoked. You are a king, then! Jesus does not back away from the title. You are right. Having just explained the nature of his kingship negatively (i.e. what it is not), he turns to explain it positively. It is a kingship defined by his mission to testify to the truth; his kingdom is a kingdom of truth. Truth here has a meaning close to ‘reality’. In a world subject to unreality and illusion, Jesus offers the reality of a personal relationship with ‘the only true God’ (17:3), a life in the truth which sets free (8:31-32). Jesus offers that to Pilate. He, the imprisoned, offers his judge true freedom.
-Bruce Milne
The Collect of the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
First Reading: Daniel 7:9-14
Second Reading: Revelation 1:1-8
Psalm 93 (posted below the Playlist)
Gospel Reading: John 18:33-37
(click below on the Spotify Playlist to listen)
Psalm 93
1 The Lord is King and has put on glorious apparel; *
the Lord has put on his apparel
and girded himself with strength.
2 He has made the round world so sure *
that it cannot be moved.
3 Ever since the world began,
your throne has been established; *
you are from everlasting.
4 The floods have risen, O Lord;
the floods have lifted up their voice; *
the floods have lifted up their waves.
5 Mightier than the sound of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea, *
the Lord who dwells on high is mightier.
6 Your testimonies, O Lord, are very sure; *
holiness adorns your house for ever.
(from the New Coverdale Psalter as found in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer)