“Pilate … summoned Jesus and asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ … Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’”
John 18:33, 36
Pilate was getting a theology lesson as Jesus taught him of His kingdom. Jesus wasn’t provoking the kind of revolt that criminals like Barabbas were plotting. The kingdom He spoke of was different.
He was saying the kingdom of God is above the temporary battles we often waste energy on. It was far bigger than Pilate and the Sanhedrin (both would lose all power within a generation). The kingdom of God is God’s righteous rule in Christ over the whole expanse of the world. It’s the redemption of human hearts, the renewal of everything. It was not the visible world in front of Pilate, which is why Jesus didn’t marshal angel armies to stop it all right then. Jesus’ pathway to the throne was through the very cross Pilate was trying to avoid.
In the compelling dialogue between the two (see John 18-19), we can almost hear Pilate wondering of Jesus, Who are you? He’s trying to save himself, but he’s also confused and perhaps intrigued by this Man.
He could have grasped who Jesus was. Don’t keep yourself just outside of belief in the King who died for you.
He was saying the kingdom of God is above the temporary battles we often waste energy on. It was far bigger than Pilate and the Sanhedrin (both would lose all power within a generation). The kingdom of God is God’s righteous rule in Christ over the whole expanse of the world. It’s the redemption of human hearts, the renewal of everything. It was not the visible world in front of Pilate, which is why Jesus didn’t marshal angel armies to stop it all right then. Jesus’ pathway to the throne was through the very cross Pilate was trying to avoid.
In the compelling dialogue between the two (see John 18-19), we can almost hear Pilate wondering of Jesus, Who are you? He’s trying to save himself, but he’s also confused and perhaps intrigued by this Man.
He could have grasped who Jesus was. Don’t keep yourself just outside of belief in the King who died for you.
Scripture Focus
John 18:28-40
Insight
Jesus was aiming straight for Pilate’s heart, but Pilate turned away and washed his hands of it. Respond to Jesus; He is seeking you now!
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 29-30
- Psalm 76
- John 18
