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
Imagine the frustration Pilate must have felt trying to understand a different kind of king. He certainly had experience dealing with a king. As governor of the Palestinian outpost of the Roman Empire, so distant from Rome, he had to placate Caesar. But this Jesus—this "King of the Jews"—was very different. No earthly king would be standing in front of a governor in chains, nor would an earthly king be willing to face the fate Jesus knew was coming. But our God does things differently. Our God does the unexpected—like sending his son to die for us so that we can be in relationship with God. As children of God we have an intimate relationship with God the Father because of our risen King and Savior Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Savior King, thank you for your truth that sustains all who believe in you and for the gift of everlasting life. Amen.