On Saturday, 6th May 2023, at Westminster Abbey, the world watched on not only as a man was crowned, but as Jesus Christ was declared repeatedly to be “King of kings and Lord of lords”.
This is a glorious title that the Father has bestowed upon the Son, and we ought to rejoice that it was being so widely proclaimed. Nevertheless as we consider carefully all that was said one begins to wonder whether these words have truly been understood, even by those who spoke them.
The coronation proceedings began with a young Chapel Royal chorister greeting King Charles III with the words, “Your Majesty, as children of the Kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of kings.” King Charles then spoke these words of response which would become a theme for the day; “In His name, and after His example, I come not to be served but to serve.”
Later in the service, having taken his coronation oath the King himself prayed:
“God of compassion and mercy whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and conviction, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Again, as the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s address began, he spoke of “The King of Kings, Jesus Christ” whom he said “was anointed not to be served, but to serve”. Welby went on to define service as “love in action”, a rather apt definition in truth, however one that remains quite elusive when love and action are left undefined.
Sadly, the definition we were given spoke of “active love in our care for the most vulnerable, the way we nurture and encourage the young, in the conservation of the natural world.” According to Welby, service is the love which is shown by those who “work with charities and organisations”, who “build community”, and who “serve the nation in Armed Forces, in emergency services, and so many other ways.”
Let me be clear, these are commendable attributes, but this is not how Jesus himself defined the service he offered. The language of “came not to be served but to serve” is actually found upon the lips of Jesus himself. It is recorded for us in both Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45. Jesus indeed said “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” however the quote does not end there. Christ continued, “and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Christ’s service is about far more than attending to the physical needs of others. The service of the Saviour was exemplified on the cross of Calvary, that he would give His own life to pay the penalty for our sin. Without this ransom price Jesus’ service would be mere moralism. Without His atoning work we remain slaves to sin, but through his perfect sacrifice we are set free to serve God as willing subjects. We are right to consider Jesus an example to us, but if that is all he remains then his sacrifice means nothing. Welby went on to speak of living “your lives for the sake of others”, a summation of what Jesus was seen to have done. His brief message was concluded with these words, “Each of us is called by God to serve. Whatever that looks like in our own lives, each of us can choose God’s way today.”
This may sound noble, but lacks vital substance. Personally, I prefer the words of Christ which give me life, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
In service of the King,
Shane