The most difficult thing for Christians to accept – I do not say ‘understand’ – is that there is nothing of the worldly king in God. There are no castles with impregnable walls. There is no throne room; there are no fawning courtiers or sumptuous meals. There is nothing grand at all.

Behold, your king is riding on a donkey.

There is no inherited rank or wealth, no special privilege, no insignia of office.

Look, your king is bruised and broken, wearing a circlet of thorns.

There is nothing of royal power in God. No generals, no armies, no district courts. God distributes neither rewards nor punishments, offers no resistance to invaders, would sooner die than rise above servitude.

Behold, your king, Christians, on the cross.