How Would Jesus Regard Her Royal Majesty?

The royal biographer's book title says it all.

I hope no one takes offense at my following my last post on worshipping Jesus with this one about some of the reverence shown for the beloved Queen Elizabeth II. Surely never in all of history has a monarch received so much adulation during her long life, nor been laid to rest with so much acclaim. 

In spite of some of the troubling aspects of England's past colonial history, the Queen has in many ways been a force for good, for which she deserves much of the honor that has been shown her. Her exemplary life and elaborate memorial service has dominated the news in ways few of us have ever witnessed.

The Bible has a lot to say about homage to human kings, queens and kingdoms. In the 1611 translation of the Bible authorized by one of Elizabeth's predecessors, King James I, we are reminded to show a spirit of submission and honor to kings, as well as to governors and others in positions of authority. (I Peter 2:13-22). 

What is remarkable is that in the middle of that passage Peter admonishes his readers to "Honor all people. Love each other.  Fear God." And then, "Honor the king (the emperor)." Roman emperors were typically despised by Jews in Peter's day as despots and occupiers, but the same word is used for them as for how Christians are to respect all people.

So how would Jesus, whom multitudes of us around the world honor as the crucified, resurrected and forever King of Kings and Lord of Lords, have us honor those in authority? How does the upside-down "kingdom" he proclaims compare to that of monarchs like that of the venerable Queen Elizabeth II?

According to Matthew's gospel, Jesus's first message to his followers was "Repent, for the kingdom (reign) of God is at hand." Therefore, one's whole life, allegiance, and ultimately even one's citizenship are to become subject to the supreme rule of God. Jesus calls people to begin now to be a living demonstration of God's will being done by God's people right here on earth as it is done in heaven. 

In John's gospel Jesus makes it clear that his kingdom is "not of this world." But this doesn't mean it is not a kingdom very much for this world and for this very time and place. He is not talking about simply signing people up for a heavenly retirement home in the afterlife. Rather, he is about establishing communities of heaven-governed people all over the world who are committed to living and loving the way God does.

One of an English king or queen's titles is "Supreme Governor of the Church of England." To her credit, Elizabeth has made many statements that reflect her personal faith, as in this 2014 Christmas message to her nation: "For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none."

This sounds great, yet one wonders what questions Jesus would raise about his followers being a part of a monarchy. How much wealth should be invested to support a royal family? What kind of wardrobe should be provided? How many servants? How many castles?

Then there is the matter of our own American history. The nation's founders were in direct opposition not only to King George III's reign, but to the very notion of monarchy itself. They firmly believed a government should be totally of, by and for the people (at least white, male and landowning ones), and not governed by members of privileged royal dynasties who are also head of a state sponsored church.

In summary, Jesus would remind us of these words by Peter, one of his earliest followers:

Honor and respect all people (everywhere). Love each other (unconditionally). Fear and serve God (unreservedly). 

And yes, Honor those in positions of authority as well.

In the controversial film "Parable" shown at the Protestant Pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair, Jesus is portrayed as a self-giving servant figure riding a donkey at the end of an elaborate and lavish circus parade.