Opening Game
Start your lesson with the game Kingdoms to get everyone thinking about leadership and loyalty. In this game, players try to build the biggest kingdom by gathering vassals. Some will be kings, and others will be vassals who pledge their service. As the game goes on, kingdoms grow, and the kings rely on their vassals for support. The game is fun and active, but it also helps introduce the idea of what it means to serve a king. For complete instructions, visit Kingdoms Youth Ministry Game.
Follow up with a couple of questions:
- As vassals, did you want to help your king?
- Was it easier for your king to make a good guess as the kingdom grew and there were more vassals to help?
At the start of the game, the kings had very few people in their kingdom. They had to make choices on their own without much support. But as their kingdoms grew, they had more people to rely on. The vassals became part of something bigger than themselves, and their king had help in making decisions. The game shows that leadership is not just about power—it is about trust, service, and working together.
This is how kingdoms worked in the past. Knights were strong and brave, but they knew they could not survive on their own. They pledged their loyalty to a king because they believed that serving together made them stronger. A kingdom brought protection, purpose, and a shared mission. Knights trained, fought, and lived in service to their king. Their commitment was not just words; it was action.
As Christians, we are called to serve a king—not an earthly ruler, but Jesus Christ. His kingdom is different from the kingdoms of this world. He does not rule with fear or force. He calls us to follow him with love and faithfulness. Like knights pledging themselves to a king, we pledge our lives to Christ. But what does that look like? How do we serve a King who rules with love and truth? Let’s explore that together.
Scripture Reading
John 18:33B-37 (The kingship of Jesus) – the Gospel Reading for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – Year B
Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?”
Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.”
So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?”
Jesus answered, “You say 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 18:33B-37
Discussion
A Different Kind of King
In the time of Jesus, kings were powerful rulers. They controlled their people with laws, armies, and punishment. If you disobeyed the king, you could be thrown in prison or even executed. People feared their king because his word was final. No one could question him. The Romans, who ruled over Israel at the time, were especially harsh. They did not tolerate anyone who threatened their power. If someone claimed to be a king, the Romans would see them as a danger.
So when Pilate questions Jesus, he is trying to figure out if Jesus is a threat. He asks, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He wants to know if Jesus is leading a rebellion. Does Jesus have an army? How many followers does he have? Are they strong? Will they try to fight against Rome? Pilate is thinking about earthly power, the kind of power that kings use to control people. But Jesus does not answer the way Pilate expects. Jesus says, “My kingdom does not belong to this world” (John 18:36).
This must have confused Pilate. What kind of king does not have soldiers or weapons? What kind of king does not fight to keep his power? But we know what Jesus means. His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. He is not here to rule with fear or force. He is here to bring people into the Kingdom of God. This is a kingdom built on love, truth, and service. It is a kingdom where everyone follows the will of the Father, just as Jesus does.
Serving Christ the King
If Jesus is our King, what does that mean for us? In the past, knights pledged their loyalty to their king. They trained hard, fought bravely, and served faithfully. They knew that their lives were not just about themselves. They had a duty to their king and kingdom. As Christians, we are called to do the same. We are knights of Christ the King. We pledge our lives to him and commit to serving his kingdom.
But instead of fighting battles with swords, we fight by choosing good over evil. Instead of serving a king out of fear, we serve Jesus out of love. He does not force us to follow him. He invites us. He calls us to live with honor, to stand up for truth, and to help those in need. Being a knight for Christ means choosing to follow him every day, even when it is hard. It means putting his kingdom first instead of just doing whatever we want.
The problem is that sometimes we forget. We let other things become more important than serving Jesus. Maybe we get too focused on being popular, getting good grades, or impressing others. Maybe we know what the right thing to do is, but we choose to do something else because it is easier. Every time we put ourselves first instead of following Christ, we break our promise to him. We stop acting like his knights.
Jesus Calls Us Back
But Jesus is not like the kings of this world. Earthly kings might punish or reject those who fail them. But Jesus is different. He does not give up on us when we make mistakes. He calls us back to him. He reminds us of our mission. He gives us the chance to recommit ourselves to his service.
One of the greatest ways he does this is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When we confess our sins, Jesus forgives us. He wipes away our failures and gives us a fresh start. No matter how many times we fail, he is always ready to welcome us back. He is a King who rules with mercy, not fear.
Jesus wants all of us, not just part of us. He does not want us to say we follow him but then ignore his teachings. He does not want us to act like Christians only when it is easy. He wants our whole hearts. He wants us to commit fully to him. Being a knight for Christ means giving him everything—our time, our talents, our choices, and our future. It means living for him in everything we do.
So, will you pledge yourself to Christ the King? Will you serve his kingdom with faith and courage? He is calling you to be his knight. The choice is yours.
Small Group Reflection Questions
Small group discussions help youth reflect on what they have learned and apply it to their own lives. Encourage everyone to share, but remind them that they can pass if they are not ready to speak. This is a chance to listen, learn, and grow together. Ask follow-up questions if needed, and allow time for thoughtful responses.
- What do you think Pilate was thinking when Jesus said his kingdom was not of this world?
- How is Jesus different from earthly kings and rulers?
- What does it mean to pledge yourself to Christ the King?
- In what ways can we act as knights for Jesus in our daily lives?
- Have you ever struggled to follow Jesus when it was difficult? What helped you stay faithful?
- Why do you think Jesus rules with love and mercy instead of power and force?
- How does receiving the Sacraments, especially Reconciliation and the Eucharist, help us stay committed to Christ?
- What are some distractions that can pull us away from serving Christ’s kingdom? How can we refocus on him?
- How can we encourage and support each other in being faithful knights for Christ?
- What is one thing you can do this week to live more fully as a follower of Christ the King?
Challenge
This week, take a moment to think about your commitment to Jesus as your King. Being a knight for Christ means giving him your whole heart, not just parts of it. Is there an area of your life that you have been holding back? Maybe it is the way you treat your family, the friends you choose, or how you spend your time. Maybe it is a habit you know is not right, but you have not made the effort to change. Jesus is asking you to trust him with every part of your life.
Choose one specific thing that you will offer to Jesus this week. Make a resolution to serve him better in that area. If you struggle with prayer, set aside time each day to talk to him. If you have been unkind to someone, make an effort to be more patient and loving. If you have been afraid to stand up for your faith, ask Jesus for courage. Whatever you choose, remember that Jesus is a King who leads with love. He will give you the strength to follow him. Take this step and recommit yourself as his knight!
Prayer
If time permits, spend a few moments kneeling before the tabernacle. This is a powerful way to recognize Jesus as your King. In his presence, reflect on his love for you and your response to his call. Even if you cannot kneel before the tabernacle now, take some quiet time later to speak to him in prayer. Ask him for the strength to follow him more faithfully.
Now, let us close with a prayer to Christ the King. Pray these words from your heart, knowing that Jesus hears you and calls you to his service.
O Lord our God, You alone are the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations.
We pray to You, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from You,
O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice, and all good things.
Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth.
Guard us, we pray, Most Faithful One.
Protect us from our enemies and from Your Just Judgment.
Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against You.
Jesus, You are a King of Mercy.
We have deserved Your Just Judgment.
Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us.
We trust in Your Great Mercy.
O most awe-inspiring King, we bow before You and pray,
May Your Reign, Your Kingdom, be recognized on earth.
Amen.
(For a printable copy of this prayer, visit: Prayer to Christ the King.)
Go forward with faith and courage. Christ is your King. Serve him with your whole heart!
For more resources and information, see https://young-catholics.com/12564/knight-me-lesson-plan-christ-the-king/