Jesus 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.” Pilate 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.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. -John 18:36-38 NRSV
Jesus stands before Pilate condemned to death by religious leaders who twist his words as they bring him to the governor. So Pilate asks Jesus if he sees himself as the King of the Jews. In a few sentences Jesus not only refutes the claims of his accusers but goes on to declare to Pilate who he really is and the sort of kingdom he rules over.
I love the phrase "For this I was born". Jesus came to tell humanity the truth. Some listened. Most refused to hear. Some, like Pilate, would not know truth if it stood before them. Yet the truth remains. The visible kingdoms of this world are subservient to the invisible kingdom of God. And Christ Jesus now sits as King of kings and Lord of lords.
We bow to you King Jesus. Open our eyes to the truth Lord. Help us to see the invisible kingdom.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
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