John 18
October 6, 2022
Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’ ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying that I am a king.’” (v36-37a)
For three years (and especially in John 6), Jesus resisted the title of ‘king.’ Until now, when accepting the title of ‘king’ will cost him his life. It’s here, before Pilate, whose job is to sniff out political insurrections and snuff out coups - that Jesus decides to own His Kingship. But it’s not the kind of kingship where He will reign for an election cycle over an earthly kingdom that will eventually fall. No, Jesus announces that He is a King who will ultimately reign over a heavenly Kingdom that will stand forever.
King Jesus, I praise You for Your restraint in resisting people who tried to make you king when Your Kingdom would have been misunderstood (John 6). And I praise You for Your boldness to declare Your kingship when it would lead to Your death (John 18). Thank You for being a king who was willing to sacrifice Yourself for Your subjects, even when we rebelled against You and Your rule. Do a work in my heart so that every part of me submits to Your Kingship and longs for Your coming Kingdom.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
