Matthew tells us that Jesus will be born as King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). The astrologers from the east call him that. In John, after the multiplication of bread, the people’s desire was to make Jesus king (John 6:15). He refuses.

Being a king according to their ideas is not his.

But at the end of his ministry, when Jesus is condemned by Pilate, all four evangelists share the same theme in different ways: Jesus the King of the Jews. The king that the Gospels show us being condemned before Pilate is an entirely different picture of a king. Ridicule and mockery – No one would defend him, not even his closest friends.

It is precisely in this situation that the gospels depict Jesus as someone who remains true to himself, who does not enter the spiral of violence and counter-violence, of revenge and retribution. He avoids judging others to the end. Rather, he promises consolation and salvation, for example to the criminal who was crucified with him: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Not a word of condemnation comes out of his mouth.

As a human being, Jesus is a king because he remains a human being with dignity and does not allow himself to be taken over by hatred and dragged down. He himself respects the dignity of his tormentors.

John adds another aspect. ” 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).

As King, Jesus is a witness of a different reality.

In Psalm 47 God is praised as King of all peoples. In the Passion, many derisively refer to Jesus as King. They have no idea that this is the one who represents real royalty. A kingdom that is willingly in the service of others. Matthew 23:11: “The greatest among you shall be your servant.”

God’s kingdom means serving one each another and appreciating one another.