On the Last Sunday of the Church Year, the Church remembers her Lord who is risen from the dead but rules from a cross.
In Rome, not far from the Colosseum, is the Basilica of San Clemente. There, in the apse, is a mosaic called “The Triumph of the Cross.” It is fitting for us to consider this piece and this place today because November 23 is not only the Last Sunday of the Church Year, but also the feast of Saint Clement. Here, in the Basilica of San Clemente, you can open your eyes and be struck with wonder at Christ ruling from the cross.[1]
The apse of the basilica is covered in shimmering gold. Into that gold is woven a tree of intricate design. Tendrils branch off from the base of the tree, curling in loops and circles that never seem to end. Within these circles are figures, celebrating the diversity of life. There are plants, animals, people, and even a winged figure riding a dolphin. The apse abounds in triumphant joy.
At the heart of the design is the cross. In the center of the apse, Jesus hangs on the cross. Yet, He transforms that instrument of death into the tree of life.
On the Last Sunday of the Church Year, you think the Church would assign some spectacular readings. Isaiah could offer an elaborate prophecy of the feast for all nations. The apostle Paul could celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ. Jesus could reveal His return in glory in the Gospel.
Yet, instead of celebratory readings, we have an account of Christ’s passion. On the Last Sunday of the Church Year, the Church remembers the last moments of the life of Jesus. The Church recalls these moments not because they are His last, as in His final moments of life, but because these are the moments that last. Here, in the painful account of Christ’s innocent suffering and death is the powerful witness to His rule over all things. On the Last Sunday of the Church Year, the Church remembers her Lord who is risen from the dead but rules from a cross.
On the Last Sunday of the Church Year, the Church remembers the last moments of the life of Jesus.
In His death, Christ has taken upon Himself every sin and every suffering that flowed out of the rebellion and fall in the Garden of Eden. He dies under this divine curse and judgement that He might rise and remake the world, full of divine blessing and promise. We who live in this fallen age are given only a glimpse of God’s glory, as if we were looking into God’s house through a crack in the window.
As Jesus dies on the cross, He listens to the prayer of a criminal who dies next to Him. The criminal knows his sin. He confesses that he rightly deserves to be crucified (23:41). But he also knows his salvation. He turns to Jesus and pleads, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom” (23:42). Although His hands are nailed to the cross, Jesus takes up the scepter of His reign. He promises the thief, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise” (23:43). The exchange could not have lasted more than five minutes, but the gift that was given lasts for eternity.
Why does the Church remember the crucifixion of Jesus on the Last Sunday of the Church Year? Because this is how Jesus transforms the world. He is the Tree of Life. His death is the beginning of life, life for His people now and life for them in eternity.
The Kingdom of Heaven comes like this, wrapped up in the body of the crucified Christ. He rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven and now rules over all things. Yet, in His hands are still the wounds of His crucifixion because this is the nature of His love. Through His death and resurrection, sins are forgiven, suffering is conquered, and the Kingdom of God breaks forth in a glory unbounded by time or space.
I love to read, and I often recommend books to friends. Sometimes, I have recommended books that come with some short, gruesome scenes. I always say, “Once you get past that, the book is great.” The story of Jesus, however, is different. There is no “getting past” His suffering and death. You do not get past it, because life comes through it.
Today, we look into God’s house through a crack in the window. We see one brief moment of glory in the most horrifying place. On the day Jesus dies, He does one last act of ministry. He answers a prayer. That prayer, however, is not only the prayer of the thief. That prayer is the prayer of all people who have come to a sad realization of the depths and devastation of their sin. With their own life ending in just judgment of their sin, they see Jesus who sends His Spirit into their hearts to utter one last prayer.
So, as we gather to celebrate the Last Sunday of the Church Year, we come not with cries of victory on our lips. We come with prayers, prayers for our forgiveness and prayers for deliverance from our suffering. And we hear the cry of victory from Jesus. It is spoken to one criminal, and it echoes for all: “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Our Lord Jesus rules. Then. Now. Eternally. He rules in love from His cross.
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Additional Resources:
Craft of Preaching-Check out 1517’s resources on Luke 23:27-43.
Concordia Theology-Various helps from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to assist you in preaching Luke 23:27-43.
Lectionary Kick-Start-Check out this fantastic podcast from Craft of Preaching authors Peter Nafzger and David Schmitt as they dig into the texts for this Sunday!
The Pastor’s Workshop-Check out all the great preaching resources from our friends at the Pastor’s Workshop!
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[1] Wikipedia. “San Clemente, Rome.” Accessed November 5, 2025. Rom,_Basilika_San_Clemente,_Apsis_1.jpg (3216×2376)
