PsalmTree

 John 18-33-38a

My Kingdom Is Not of This World

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

😇 There it is; we can no longer ignore it. Jesus admits He is King. Just not of a kingdom generally recognized. Poor PIlate…he was forced to deal with Jesus on a subject he didn’t understand and didn’t want to deal with. He came right out and asked Jesus, “I’m not a Jew, I don’t understand how your system works, are you really the king of the Jews?” Jesus didn’t deny His kingship but explained it was a kingdom of another world. He said “ I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” There is an important truth that transcends this world and if we listen, we will find it. Pilate, like so many, couldn’t be bothered. He threw up his hands and asked, “what is truth?” And, walked away. 

🙏🏼 Lord, God…there is nothing true apart from your Son, Jesus. He doesn’t just “tell” the truth; He “is” the truth. He is also the only access to you and eternal life (14:6). You promise, if I listen, I will understand. Give me ears to hear what you Son wants to say to me today. In His name I ask this, amen.