He's Coming Back Again: 21st Century Resource for Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday, Year B

He's Coming Back Again
(Based on John 18:33-37, NRSV)
Song: "I Know It Was the Blood," 267, African American Heritage Hymnal (verses 1, 4, and 6)

Leader 1: Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" (John 18:33)

Leader 2: Jesus answered, "Did you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" (John 18:34)

Choir/congregation (singing):
I know it was the blood, I know it was the blood,
I know it was the blood for me.
One day when I was lost, he died upon the cross.
I know it was the blood for me.

Leader 1: Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" (John 18:35)

Choir/congregation (singing):
He never said a mumblin' word. He never said a mumblin' word.
He never said a mumblin' word for me.
One day when I was lost, he died upon the cross.
I know it was the blood for me.

Leader 2: Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over . . . But as it is, my kingdom is not from here" (John 18:36).

Choir/congregation (singing):
He's coming back again. He's coming back again.
He's coming back again for me.
One day when I was lost, he died upon the cross.
I know it was the blood for me.

Leader 1: Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" (John 18:37a)

Leader 2: Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice" (John 18:37b).

Choir/congregation (singing):
He's coming back again. He's coming back again.
He's coming back again for me.
One day when I was lost, he died upon the cross.
I know it was the blood for me.

Prayer/Psalm
(Based on Psalm 132)
Remember, O LORD, in our favor, the hardship we endured.
How we swore to the LORD, to the mighty God
That we would not rest until we could worship you in freedom.

Indeed, we could not build houses of worship
But we did not sleep.
We worshiped you at night, in the woods, and the swamps of the hush arbor.
Your invisible church!
We found a place for you,
A dwelling place of the Most High God.

In the fields we sang, "Meeting Tonight."
We sang, "Steal Away," and we heard, "Come to Jesus."
And we said, "Let us go to God's dwelling place."

Rise up, O God, as you did in days past.
You met us at that resting place
Even when our churches were burned
We worshiped at your footstool.
And we shouted for joy when you delivered us to freedom.
You deliver us still.

King of our hearts, clothe us in righteousness.
Keep us faithful, "full of the faith that the past has taught us."*
Instill in us, in our preachers and leaders, your holiness,
For the sake of our ancestors, grant us your favor.

You promised, Jesus, that you would be with us
Even to the ends of the earth.
Teach us your ways that we may practice peace.
"Keep us forever in the path, we pray."*

For you chose our churches to be cities set on a hill,
That you might dwell in our lives.
You have chosen us to be a holy priesthood.
You bless us so that we might be a blessing.

With the abundance that you have given us,
Empower us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.
Let our lights so shine by the power of your Holy Spirit
That we may lead others into the joy of your salvation
Knowing that you are Christ the King,
Who reigns in our hearts, in our lives, and forevermore.

Amen.

*From lyrics of "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson

Marilyn E. Thornton is the Lead Editor for African American Resources at the United Methodist Publishing House, and she pastors the Emery United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources: "Worship Resources for Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday, Year B," Copyright 2006, Marilyn E. Thornton. All Rights Reserved. Posted with permission.