Text Study for Sunday, November 23, 2025. Christ the King Sunday

Series Theme: A Great Light

Reading: Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What makes you angry? Why? Can God be angry? Amos explores God’s anger and its sources.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord, we pray for your Kingdom to come here now, bringing a kingdom of justice, righteousness, hope, love, peace, mercy and grace for all. Lord, we ask that you rule in our hearts, lead in this world and govern over your kingdom. Amen.

CONTEXT

Throughout this Advent season Easter will focus on Jesus, A GREAT LIGHT, our great light! These prophetic texts will focus on God's promises fulfilled in Jesus. The series emphasizes preparation for Christmas and reflecting Christ’s light in today’s world. Our sermon series explores themes of hope, trust, life, joy, and justice. Where do you ensure Christ’s light shines today and how can Easter live as guiding lights for others? In a season of waiting, join us to reflect on the promise of Jesus and live as light for others.

In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Christ the King Sunday is the final Sunday of the church year and also known as the Reign of Christ Sunday. It celebrates Jesus’s kingship and his ultimate authority over all creation, and it serves as a transition from the liturgical season of Pentecost to the season of Advent. Rather than a king of worldly power, the day focuses on the reign of Christ as King of the universe, a king who is defined by his nonviolent victory of love, service to the vulnerable, and a kingdom that will ultimately bring healing to the world.

From Dr Cory Driver and Dr Rolf Jacobson at EntertheBible.org:

The messages of Amos insist that God’s relationship with people includes all of their lives. Amos insists that because of injustice and oppression, God’s anger has been provoked and judgment will come. The judgment that Amos announced was not a final judgment, but a part of God’s relationship with the people. This message of God’s anger and judgment remains relevant for people of faith today. Because God still loves people, God still is provoked to anger when people cause others to suffer.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
How do you react to the title “Christ the King Sunday?” Why?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Amos 1. In your own words, what is a prophet?
In Amos 1:1, what is the first word used to describe Amos? How might this expand your idea of prophet?
In verse one, what was the political season that Amos was speaking into? Who was leading Israel?
Amos begins by also noting a significant environmental issue. What happened? Why do you think Amos is including all these details? His location among shepherds, rulers, and the environment!
The prophets often held up a mirror to God’s people and asked, “is this how we treat our neighbors and each other?” What may be one issue a prophet may call out today in the South Metro area where we live and serve?
Jump to Amos 5:14. These words are an imperative—a command. What is God—through the prophet Amos—calling the people of God to do?
"Seek good, not evil,” and the promise that accompanies this command? How does this echo Jesus in John 10:10?
Jump to Amos 5:21. What is God angry at? Why would God not like the worship of God’s people? What may be missing?
Powerful words! Amos 5:24. Have you heard these words before? Where?
Where have you seen “justice roll down?” In your own words, what might that mean?
How are God’s people empowered to care for the world around us?
How might the promises of Acts 2 be connected—and support--our call “seek good and not evil?”
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

What is one way you would like to see our church—that's us—carry on the work of Jesus Christ together? Why?

Sending Prayer

May the Light of Christ show us your way; may the Love of Christ overflow from our lives to others; may the Life of Christ show us how to be your people. Forgive us for not seeking Jesus in our lives. Prepare us for His return. Help us rejoice in the light, so that your grace can illuminate the hidden places of our hearts. Amen.

Grow Guide | Nov 23, 2025