Jesus’ Kingdom is Not of this World

A Word of Truth #082 (John 18:36) 

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, wanted to set Jesus free. But Pilate loved his position and did not want to lose it so He sentenced Jesus to death. If only Pilate would have listened to Jesus’ answer when he asked Jesus, “Are you a king?” Jesus answered, “Yes, but My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

To this day, many want to make Jesus into a political figure. They desire to use His Word as the ultimate political manual, and they suggest Jesus will come and establish an earthly kingdom and reign here as an earthly king.

Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. Rather, it is a spiritual kingdom through which He lives in the hearts of those who put their trust in Him. His is a spiritual kingdom through which He reigns in believers’ lives guiding and guarding them, directing and protecting them.

Jesus’ kingdom will never consist of palaces, wealth, and government on this earth; but for all in whose hearts He reigns through faith, there will be untold wealth in the mansions of heaven.

Father, Forgive Them, for They do not Know what They Do

A Word of Truth #083 (Luke 23:34) 

Petty insults, minor affronts, wounds to our pride—we often find these things difficult to forgive, especially if they come from people who offend us more than once. What an amazing thing then to see Jesus being nailed to the cross and to hear Him cry out not with curses, but rather in prayer: “Father, forgiven them, for they do not know what they do.”

When Jesus spoke those words, they applied not only to the Roman soldiers, who had just nailed Him to the cross. Rather, that prayer was directed to God and intended to seek His grace and mercy for all people, including you and me. The sins of all of us were laid on Jesus as He suffered on the cross. Yet, in spite of the suffering He endured because of us, His love compelled Him to pray for us, seeking our forgiveness and thereby securing our salvation.