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33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" 35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" 36 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." 37 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." (John 18:33-37 English Standard Version Bible)
Imagine being in the presene of the king and with him is one whom others have called king, too. Pilate was not as bad a person as Herod, for Herod was known to have killed his own sons for fear they would take the kingship from him; but here in this classic encounter Jesus shares a profound declaration of His own kingship. Pilate, representing worldly authority, questions Jesus about His identity. In response, Jesus clarifies that His kingdom does not belong to this world; it transcends earthly power and political structures. He came to bear witness to the truth, revealing the nature of His reign.
Jesus’ kingship is unlike any earthly authority. While kings and rulers may seek power for personal gain, Christ’s purpose was to serve, to redeem, and to reveal the truth. His kingdom is characterized by love, grace, and truth rather than coercion or violence. In this moment of interrogation, we see the contrast between worldly authority and divine sovereignty. Jesus stands before Pilate, not as a defeated prisoner, but as the sovereign King who has come to establish a different kind of reign.
As believers, we are called to acknowledge Christ as our King, not only in our worship but in our daily lives. His kingdom invites us to participate in His mission, to spread the truth of His love and grace, and to reflect His character in our interactions with others. In a world often filled with confusion and competing truths, we are challenged to listen to the voice of Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth.
Let us consider how we can submit to His authority and allow His kingdom values to shape our lives. Are we living in a way that reflects the truth of Christ’s kingship? Are we ambassadors of His kingdom, demonstrating His love in our communities and beyond?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, who reigns as King. Help us to recognize His authority in our lives and to embrace the truth He embodies. Empower us to live as faithful witnesses of Your kingdom, sharing Your love and grace with those around us. May our lives reflect the values of Your kingdom and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on your life and identify one area where you can better align with the values of Christ’s kingdom. Consider how you can be a witness to the truth in that area this week.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
