In this week’s Gospel passage Jesus, during His trial, is asked by Pilate if He is a king. Jesus responds that His kingdom is not of this world. This week we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, and praise Jesus for His rule over all things as king. In this lesson, students will contemplate the kingship of Jesus through sacred art.
Read the Gospel passage aloud to your students as they follow along.
Discuss the focus and reflection questions with them as a class.
Focus Questions Answer Key
What did Pilate ask Jesus? How did Jesus answer? P - “Are you the king of the Jews?” J - “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” P - “Then you are a king?” J - “You say I am a king.
Is Jesus a king? If so, what is His kingdom? Yes, Jesus is a king. He is THE King, ruler of the Universe. His kingdom is not an earthly kingdom, but is the Kingdom of God, without boundaries or limits.
What does Jesus explain that He came into the world to do? To testify to the truth.
How do we know the truth? By encountering Jesus and hearing Jesus’ voice.
Activity II
Have your students reflect on the stained glass window Tu Rex Gloriae Christe by William Earley using the image and chart from You Are the King of Glory, O Christ and the Stained Glass Discussion Guide
Stained Glass Discussion Guide Answer Key
What do you first notice about Jesus in this picture? Accept reasoned answers.
Why do you think the artist shows Jesus holding the earth in His hand? Answers may include because Jesus is king of the world, and He rules the world and gave His life for the salvation of the world.
Why do you think the artist chose to make Jesus’ robe red? Answers may include because Jesus suffered for us so that we can go to Heaven. Jesus’ victory was won through His suffering, Death, and Resurrection. We also receive the Blood of Christ when we receive the Eucharist at Mass.
How is Jesus humble and obedient? Answers may include because Jesus humbled Himself by accepting His suffering and Death on the Cross, even though He is God and King of the universe. Jesus was also obedient to the Father’s will, as He demonstrated numerous times throughout His earthly life.
Why do you think Jesus is standing on a cloud and stars? What does this tell us about Jesus’ kingdom? Answer may include that it symbolizes Jesus’ kingship over the entire universe. His Kingdom comes from His Father in Heaven.
What are the angels doing? Why do you think so? It appears as if the angels are bowing before Jesus. Traditionally, it is appropriate for a king’s subjects to bow to him to show their obedience and to honor him. All the angels in Heaven bow before Jesus the King.
Why do you think Jesus is wearing a crown and holding a scepter? What is Jesus the King of?Jesus is King of Heaven. Because Jesus made everything, He also rules over everything and is king of everything.
The title of this stained-glass window is Tu Rex Gloriae Christe, which is Latin for “You are the King of Glory, O Christ.” Why do you think we call Christ the King of Glory? Why should we glorify Him? Accept reasoned answers.
Activity I
Have students read the Gospel passage, or read it aloud to your students.
Answer the focus and reflection questions. You may have students answer them on their own or you may discuss them together as a class
Review and discuss the answers to the focus questions.
Focus Questions Answer Key
What question did Pilate ask of Jesus? How did Jesus answer? P - “Are you the king of the Jews?” J - “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” P - “Then you are a king?” J - “You say I am a king.
Is Jesus a king? If so, what is His kingdom? Yes, Jesus is a king. He is THE King, ruler of the Universe. His kingdom is not an earthly kingdom, but is the Kingdom of God, without boundaries or limits.
What does Jesus explain that He came into the world to do? To testify to the truth.
How do we know the truth? By encountering Jesus and hearing Jesus’ voice
Activity II
In pairs or trios, have your students reflect on the stained glass window Tu Rex Gloriae Christe by William Earley using the image and discussion questions from You Are the King of Glory, O Christ.
You Are the King of Glory Christ Discussion Questions and Answers
What do you first notice about Jesus in this picture? Answers will vary.
What do you notice about the colors the artist chose for this picture? How does the light look? Where is it coming from? Accept reasoned answers.
The blue and gold ball in Jesus left hand is a decorated globe that represents the earth. Why do you think the artist shows Jesus holding a globe in His hand? Answers may include because Jesus is king of the world, and He rules the world and gave His life for the salvation of the world.
Red is the color of blood, so it represents suffering and victory through suffering. Why do you think the artist shows Jesus wearing a red cape? Answers may include because Jesus suffered for us so that we can go to heaven. Jesus victory was won through His suffering, death, and Resurrection. We also receive the Blood of Christ when we receive the Eucharist at Mass.
Jesus bare or sandaled feet represent humility. To be humble means not to be proud or make oneself greater than others. It also represents being obedient and reflective. How does Jesus possess these qualities? Answers may include because Jesus humbled Himself by accepting His suffering and death on the Cross, even though He is God and King of the universe. Jesus was also obedient to the Fathers will, as He demonstrated numerous times throughout His earthly life.
Jesus is standing on a cloud with stars sparkling inside of it. What do you think this symbolizes? Where does this suggest that Jesus Kingdom comes from? Answer may include that it symbolizes Jesus kingship over the entire universe. His Kingdom comes from His Father in heaven.
Notice the angels above and to the side of Jesus. What does it appear that they are doing? Why do you think so? It appears as if the angels are bowing before Jesus. Traditionally, it is appropriate for a kings subjects to bow to him to show their obedience and to honor him. All the angels in heaven bow before Jesus the King.
Jesus is wearing a crown and holding a scepter, which symbolize the power and rule of a king. Why do you think the artist showed Jesus with a crown and holding a scepter? What is Jesus the King of? Jesus is King of heaven. Because Jesus made everything, He also rules over everything and is king of everything.
The title of this stained-glass window is Tu Rex Gloriae Christe, which is Latin for “You are the King of Glory, O Christ.”Why do you think we call Christ the King of Glory? Why should we glorify Him? Answers will vary.
