John 18:33-37 (NRSV)
Read John 18:33-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Verse 34Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Verse 35Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Verse 36Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Verse 37Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
Devotion
You can hardly blame Pilate for doubting that Jesus was a king. He wasn’t dressed in royal robes. The Jews were demanding his death. He certainly didn’t look the part. But Christ’s kingdom is not from this world. He set aside his crown and left the glories of heaven to come to the earth and live among us. He came to save us from being ruled by sin and evil and to give us new life. He came to establish his kingdom here on earth so that we might abandon our lust for power, our desire to use people and to love money, and our self-centered lifestyles. Those who are a part of Christ’s kingdom recognize that we are called to be servants. We are called to love people and use money for the good of others. We are called to listen to Jesus’ voice and to follow his example.
Prayer
O Christ, our King, help us to live as those who are a part of your kingdom. You willingly died for us. Help us to live for others. Open our ears that we might hear and heed your words. Strengthen our faith so that we might serve others, even as you came to serve and save the world. Amen.