Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. ~ John 18:35-38
Like so many others, Pilate couldn’t imagine a king with a kingdom not of this world. Jesus told Pilate He is the King of a Kingdom “not of this realm,” and Pilate didn’t know how to respond. Jesus’ eternal Kingdom is coming, and we will face judgment. We don’t know when that will happen, but whenever it is, we must be ready. If we are believers, we will rule with Him in His kingdom not of this realm.
Lord God, help me to remember always that Jesus’ Kingdom is coming. Let me be ready for that great day. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
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