Christ the King Sunday Sermon Ideas
Christ the King Sunday focuses worshipers' attention on Christ's reign over everything in the world; it proclaims boldly that everything in all of creation must submit to Christ.
How do I plan a Christ the King Sunday worship service?
Proclaiming that everything must submit to Christ the King, this Sunday focuses on the Lordship of Christ.
When is Christ the King Sunday?
The exact day this Sunday is observed varies between denominations or traditions. Generally in the fall, it can be celebrated on the last Sunday in October or the last Sunday of the liturgical year.
What colors do we use for Christ the King Sunday?
Colors of royalty: white, gold, or purple.
What symbols do we use for Christ the King Sunday?
- Crown
- Scepter
What themes do we use for Christ the King Sunday?
Bible passage ideas for Christ the King Sunday
The Lordship of Christ
Though we proclaim that Jesus is King, we easily can fail to understand the significance of what that actually means for us. As we celebrate Jesus Christ's reign as King, we also can ask God to help us live our lives in ways that honor and submit to the King of the universe.
- 2 Samuel 23:1–7, a just ruler
- Psalm 24, the King of glory
- Isaiah 9, Prince of Peace
- Jeremiah 23:1–6, a righteous king
- Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14, the Ancient One on the throne
- John 18:33–37, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
- 1 Corinthians 15:20–28, Christ is King
- Ephesians 1:15–23, Christ is head over all things
- Colossians 1:10–20, Christ is the head, the firstborn over all creation
- 1 Timothy 6:11–16, King of kings and Lord of lords
- Revelation 1:4–8, ruler of the kings of the earth
- Revelation 5, the one seated on the throne
- Revelation 19:1–16, God is seated on the throne
The kingdom of God
God's kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. It is just, peaceable, and full of blessing. These passages help us envision a community of wholeness in which all who hunger and thirst are nourished, the stranger is welcomed, the hurting are healed, and the captive is set free. They call us to help make manifest God's reign of justice and compassion.
- Psalm 72, a kingdom of blessing
- Isaiah 11, a peaceable kingdom
- John 18:33–37, a kingdom not of this world
- Romans 14:17, a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit
- Revelation 21:1–27, no more mourning, crying, or pain
Jesus reigns and prays at God's right hand
Jesus sits at God's right hand and from there intercedes for us.
- Psalm 110, the Lord reigns
- Matthew 22:41–46, praise for the messianic ruler
- Matthew 26:59–66, Jesus's prophecy of his being seated at God's right hand
- Acts 7:55, Stephen's vision of the ascended Lord
- Romans 8:34, Jesus intercedes for us
- Hebrews 7:25, Jesus always lives to pray for us
- Hebrews 10:11–14, Jesus is the priest at God's right hand
- 1 Peter 3:18–22, every authority and power submits to Christ
Psalms of praise to the God of Israel and Jesus Christ, the King
The psalms offer many examples of praise to God and, by extension, to Jesus Christ, the King.
- Psalm 2, serve the Lord
- Psalm 24, the whole earth is the Lord's
- Psalm 93, the Lord is majestic
- Psalm 95, let us sing for joy
- Psalm 96, sing to the Lord a new song
- Psalm 97, give thanks to the Lord
- Psalm 98, sing songs and praises to the Lord
- Psalm 99, the mighty King who loves justice
- Psalm 100, praise for the shepherd-king
- Psalm 110, God the priest-king