Faith Along the Way: Royalty

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Most ancient cultures lived in a hierarchy of power and influence, what we might call a “pecking order” or “chain of command”. The lower down you were, the more you were subject to the whims and vagaries of those above you. The higher up you were, the more absolute your power and authority. Many of Jesus’ parables describe kings or wealthy landowners who lavishly reward faithful servants and imprison or execute lazy or crooked workers. People in the audience knew exactly what Jesus was talking about.

We don’t have Lords and Kings much anymore, at least not formally. Actual royals have more ceremonial functions and give us glimpses of real-life fairy tale scenes when they have coronations and weddings. Nonetheless, we do have people and things in our lives that command our time, attention and resources. Many work agreements state plainly that you are an “at will” employee. Bosses, teachers, habits, money, podcasters, influencers…anything can become a lord or king, a driving force shaping our decisions, thoughts and actions.

Matthew 8 and Luke 7 tell of a Roman centurion who asks Jesus to heal the centurion’s sick servant. The centurion asks Jesus not to bother travelling to his house, just command the sickness like the centurion orders people around. The centurion was saying that in his world of emperors, governors, and other powerful people, he recognized the ultimate authority of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t tell him to renounce his commission but rather commends him for seeing in Jesus what most other people don’t. We’re happy to have the miracles, but follow His orders?

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) How many could you rattle off? If you can name any of His commandments, how do they show up in your life? Does anyone other than you see you living them? More importantly: if you aren’t following the orders Jesus gave, whose are you following? Who would the people around you say are your lords and kings? Tip: “religion” or “church” aren’t always synonymous with Jesus. I’ve confused them many times.

Jesus also said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me.” (Matthew 11:29) We can yoke up with Him and ignore Him as we struggle to go our own way (painful), or pay attention to Him and go where He’s going (less stressful). Make Jesus more than a ceremonial king, and your journey will be better for it.

Dr. Carl Grosse is an ordained pastor and author of Faith Along the Way, a weekly KnoxTNToday reflection encouraging readers to recognize God’s presence in everyday life and share His love with others.

Enjoyed this article? Read more Faith Along the Way reflections by Dr. Carl Grosse and learn more about him in his author bio on the same page. Find encouragement and inspiration for your own faith journey.