Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus replied, “That’s what you say.” (Luke 23:3, CEB)
As we continue the journey through Lent and consider the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, this scene in scripture where Jesus is brought before Pilate always draws me into the narrative. Pilate was told Jesus had claimed to be a king, but this was a label that was given to him.
In John’s gospel, Jesus’ longer reply to Pilate explains, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.”
“So, you are a king?” Pilate said. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:36-37, CEB).
There is more here than we have time to unpack. But we can summarize Jesus’ statement in the following way. Jesus’ emphasis is not to say his kingdom is somewhere else. He is instead saying, there is not anything like Jesus’ kingdom which Pilate could relate to.
When we think of kings, we think of those with power over lands and people. Instead, throughout the gospels, Jesus points to a different kind of kingdom. This kingdom is like a mustard seed or like yeast, something small which grows and spreads (Matthew 13:31). This kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field or fine pearls, it is of great value and importance (Matthew 13:44). For those who follow Jesus, the kingdom is like a person who finds new treasures among what they already have (Matthew 13:52).
As we journey with Jesus towards the cross, let us fix our eyes on the truth to which Jesus testifies. His kingdom isn’t about land or power, his kingdom is about a truth that changes our perspectives, a truth that changes our hearts, a truth beyond everyday experience.
Will you pray with me?
Lord, forgive us when we misunderstand your kingship.
We so often want to gain control through power over another.
Your way is to change everything through sacrificial love.
Your way is to usher in peace through giving yourself for us.
May we accept your truth and listen only to your voice.
We pray this in your name, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Shawn
* credit to my friend Jeremy for the title idea