Tag: John 18
What is truth?
Scripture reading for April 30: John 18
“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.” Then Pilate said to Him, “So you are a king? Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world–to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is Truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in Him.”” John 18: 36-38
Determining what is true in this world helps us define our world view. Pilate, the Roman governor in Jerusalem, was a person of power in the political machine of Rome. The Jews had brought Jesus to him accusing Jesus of sedition. They claimed that Jesus falsely claimed to be a ‘king’ and preached a new ‘kingdom’ that would supersede all kingdoms. So Pilate asked Jesus, “So You are a king?” Jesus stated that Pilate had stated that, but His purpose was to bear witness to the truth. At this, Pilate asked Jesus a searching question: “What is truth?” Pilate, and many others over the ages, have wrestled with the truth about Jesus Christ. Is He the King? Is He over a kingdom? What is this kingdom that is not of this world?
Pilate wrestled with Jesus’ statement that His kingdom was not of this world. He knew that Jesus’ disciples had fled and had not put up a fight. In fact, Jesus had commanded the guards to let them go. (John 18:8) Pilates’s wife had earlier warned him to have nothing to do with Jesus because of a dream. (Matthew 22:19) In light of these ‘truths’, Pilate declared to the Jews that he found no guilt in Jesus. He sought to release Him, but the Jews demanded Barabbas, a robber.
Have you ever wrestled with what is the truth about Jesus? Have you looked closely at Jesus’ life and claims to be the Christ and King? How have others opinions and demands either helped you to find truth or keep you in the “crucify Him” crowd?
Prayer: Father God, I have wrestled with the claims of Jesus earlier in my life. There were many voices and opinions that claimed to have truth that Jesus was just a man. Thank You for revealing the Truth from hearing the testimony of Jesus preached by other believers. Use me today to share Truth! Amen.
King of Truth!
Scripture reading for April 29th: John 18
Key Scriptures for over-comers: John 18:36-37 “Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!”, said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king, in fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked.”
Jesus was questioned by Pilate as to if He was “King of the Jews.” Jesus responded that His kingdom was not of this world, but from another place. (Heaven) Jesus admitted that He was born a King! His purpose was to declare the kingdom of God and Heaven and to reveal the truth about God the Father’s love. This is the “Truth” that many, including Pilate, struggled to understand. Jesus plainly stated that anyone on the side of truth would listen to Him.
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers know Jesus as King of Kings and now through Him know God as their heavenly Father. They await their King, coming in power and majesty to bring them into the fullness of the kingdom. “Gird your sword upon your side, O Might One; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.” (Psalm 45:3-4)
“My Kingdom is not of this world!”
Scripture reading for April 30th: John 18
After Jesus and the disciples had prayed all night, before sunrise Judas Iscariot led a band of soldiers and religious officials to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Jesus was expecting them and asked them who they wanted. When they replied “Jesus of Nazareth”–Jesus answered, “I am He.” (John 18:4-6) The power of Jesus’ words caused this group to fall to the ground! Jesus then commanded them to let the rest go and they obeyed. Peter tried to defend Jesus by using his sword, but Jesus rebuked him: “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” (John 18:11) Jesus was in control and obeying the plan of the Father!
As Jesus was led before the Jewish officials of the synagogue, they could find nothing to charge Him with. He was then taken before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate’s first question to the Jews was what do you charge Him with? They had no answer. Pilate’s first question to Jesus was “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about Me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was Your people and Your chief priests who handed You over to me. What is it that you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king.” (John 18:33-37)
Jesus publicly admitted that He was a king with a kingdom that was not of this world. His kingdom would rule forever and He would never cease to be King! Have you acknowledged Jesus as King?