If Jesus’ Kingdom Were Earthly “[Jesus answered,] ‘If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting…. But my kingdom is not from the world.’” John 18:36 -- Pilate might be forgiven for wondering if Jesus’ kingdom was of this world. Not only had the Savior’s countrymen said He was a threat to Ceasar, but also Jesus would admit He had been born to rule. The great question was “Where would His kingdom be?” Satan thought Jesus could be tempted to set up an earthly kingdom. The five thousand who were fed with a few loaves and fish wanted to make Him an earthly king (John 6:15). Matthew 4 tells how great crowds followed Jesus because He healed all the sick (v. 24). Such a crowd-pleaser might easily be proclaimed an earthly ruler. In contrast to what others imagined, Jesus always knew He had come to do His Father’s will, not to please the crowds or wear an earthly crown. In John 6:40, He says, “This is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life.” That heavenly kingdom is created by Jesus’ perfect sacrifice and is offered to all who acknowledge Him as their risen Savior and Lord. (Dear Lord Jesus, I give thank that You have given me citizenship in Your kingdom. May all I do and say give evidence of my appreciation. Amen.) -- John 18:28-36 English Standard Version (ESV) Jesus Before Pilate 28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governors headquarters.[a] It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governors headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. My Kingdom Is Not of This World 33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 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.” Footnotes: John 18:28 Greek the praetorium .. Psalm 136:1-9 English Standard Version (ESV) His Steadfast Love Endures Forever 136 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; 4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; 6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; 7 to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; 8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; 9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 12:20:41 +0000
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