Scripture
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
Reflection
In the preceding verses, Pilate began his private conversation by asking Jesus if He was the King of the Jews. Jesus asked Pilate if he had that idea on his own or if others (Jews) talked to him. The reason why Pilate asked Jesus this question was to know if he was concerned that Jesus was some political threat to Rome. Jesus replied that Rome need not fear a political insurrection. He was not a zealot or a revolutionary guerrilla leader. His kingdom is not like that. It is not of this world; it is from another place, that is, heaven. Therefore, it comes not by rebellion but by submission to God. Its source was not from men’s acts of violence but from a new birth from heaven which transferred a person out of Satan’s kingdom into God’s kingdom.
As children of God, we too belong to the same kingdom Jesus refers to in this verse, and like Jesus, may we too continue to have a kingdom-minded perspective and not to be polluted by this word’s standards and principles.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer