John 18:33-36 "Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? (34) Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? (35) Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? (36) Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."
It is interesting to me that the first words out of Pilate's mouth were in the
form of a question. "Art thou the King of the Jews?" It is not
mentioned that the accusers had said anything about Jesus being a king; yet
this is the first question asked by Pilate. Where would he get such an
idea? The phrase "King of the Jews" is mentioned only once
before this time. Remember what the wise men from the East asked of Herod?
"Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in
the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2) How would
Pilate know to ask this question? Was there communication between Herod and
Pilate about this? Was there communication between the wise men and
Pilate? We do not know, but I find it interesting that Pilate would begin
His conversation with Jesus by asking if He was the King. Jesus, although
He knows all things, asked Pilate if He was saying that from his heart or if
someone else told him that Jesus was King of the Jews.
Far more interesting to me is in the fact that Jesus did not deny; rather, He
expanded the conversation by revealing to Pilate the kingdom over which He has
been placed is not an earthly kingdom. If Jesus had been trying to
overthrow the government, there would have been a great battle waging at that
moment. His servants would have taken up sword and spear to defend their king.
So, if Jesus' kingdom was "not of this world," then in what kind of
kingdom does He reign? Be assured this morning that although at that
moment, Jesus was standing before Pilate as the "Lamb of God," He is
now at this moment reigning in His kingdom in power and glory. What kind of
kingdom is this?
Let's look at the insight given first by Jesus and then by the Apostle
Paul. The Pharisees "demanded" of Jesus when the kingdom of God
should come. Where had they heard that term? I'm full of questions this
morning. "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into
Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (15) And
saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and
believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15) Jesus declared in His Sermon on
the Mount, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew
6:33) So Jesus answered the Pharisees when they "demanded" when
the kingdom of God should come, "And when he was demanded of the
Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The
kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they
say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN
YOU." (Luke 17:20-21)
So, let's put these thoughts together and add Paul's definition of the kingdom
of God. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is at hand. My kingdom is
not of this world. The kingdom of God does not come with observation."
(It cannot be seen with natural eyes or held in our hands.)
"Neither shall they say, Lo here! or lo there!" (The experience
of the kingdom does not come from being in a certain geographical location) "for, BEHOLD, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU."
Where does Jesus reign in my life? He lives and reigns in my heart! What is the
effect in my life when my will and the will of God for me is in alignment?? It
is called, "Kingdom living." What is the result? Let's look at
the words of the Apostle Paul. "For the kingdom of God is not meat
and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
(Romans 14:17) The experience of living in the kingdom of God is in the
peace and joy that we have "within" us as we walk with the King of
kings and Lord of lords. You see, we do not have to wait until we get to
heaven to experience the kingdom of God and have fellowship with the King. We
can do that everyday of our lives if we submit to Him. "Seek ye
first, the kingdom of God and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS." Then peace and joy,
comfort and fulfillment will be added unto you.
I know this is longer than usual, but I cannot stop without adding this
thought. More times than not, the word "saved" in Scripture is
speaking concerning being able to experience the kingdom life in Jesus Christ.
Eternal salvation is completely unconditional. Jesus paid it all. Being
saved to the effects of the kingdom of God has conditions to be laid down, such
as believing, obeying, trusting, submitting. There is only ONE WAY to heaven
and Jesus accomplished that on Calvary's Hill. But thanks be to God, He has
shown us in His Word the way in which we can experience that peace and joy as
we walk through this world of sin and sorrow.