Junior High Session
2 Samuel 5:1-3
Luke 23:35-43
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, you willingly suffered and died for us.
Help us to understand and appreciate the power of your love.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The image for today is Christ the King. To begin, invite the young people to imagine that they are the principal of their school for the day. Have them reflect on how they would act as principal, what changes they would make in their school, and how they would treat the students. Discuss:
- How would you use your power as principal?
- What does it mean to lead by serving others?
- What kind of ruler is Christ the King?
Allow time for discussion. Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King and we honor Christ as ruler of all.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to find out who is named ruler over Israel.
Read 2 Samuel 5:1-3.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Who is named ruler over Israel?
- How is the king chosen?
- Why do the people choose David?
In the Gospel today listen to learn about the kingdom where Jesus reigns.
Read Luke 23:35-43.
Allow for silence.
- What do the soldiers say to Jesus while he hangs on the cross?
- What do the criminals beside Jesus ask him?
- Why does one of the criminals ask Jesus to remember him in his kingdom?
- How does Jesus respond to the criminal’s request?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. In today’s feast we recognize and honor Christ as ruler of all.
The first reading from the Old Testament recalls the anointing of David as King of Israel. David was Israel’s first true king. The people choose David because they believe that he is God’s choice to shepherd the people of Israel. David also has led many military victories for the people of Israel. In today’s passage, the leaders bring two kingdoms together by acclaiming David as King--Judah in the south and Israel in the north.
Today’s Gospel will not allow us to confuse Christ’s reign with earthly power and prestige. The image of Jesus suffering and dying on the cross reveals to us a king with a different kind of power. By the power of his love, Jesus is shown to be a king who is willing to die for the salvation of all.
In this passage, as Jesus hangs on the cross, the leaders and soldiers who taunt him wonder what kind of king he is. A criminal, who is next to Jesus, asks to be taken into Jesus’ kingdom. This Gospel account helps us to see that Christ is the king who cannot be overcome by the world, or by sin, or by death. His reign brings salvation to the outcast and the sinner, and brings hope to us all.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What are some qualities of a good leader?
- What kind of a king is Jesus?
- How does Jesus show the power of his love?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Christ the King
The image of Christ the King that we find in today’s Gospel challenges our ideas of what a king or ruler should be. Jesus is not seated on a luxurious throne surrounded by people who await his command. Instead, the king in the gospel scene is taunted and left to die on a cross.
We could say that the cross is the throne of Christ the King, because by the power of his love Jesus conquered death. By his cross and resurrection Jesus Christ has brought about the salvation of all people. Jesus is ruler of all, and everything and everyone are subject to the power of his saving love and goodness.
- How is the cross like Jesus’ throne?
- How can you follow the example of Christ the King?
- Who are some leaders that you admire? Why?
The Gospel in Life
How can you call on the power of Christ’s love this week?
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 11
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