The Kingdom of Jesus Christ is a Spiritual One
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Oct 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Rev. Tse Amable | October 15 2024 | John 18:28-40
KEY VERSE:
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.” John 18:36 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The Jewish high council wanted to put Jesus Christ to death. Therefore, they sent Him to Governor Pilate because he alone held the power to pronounce a death sentence (John 19:10). The High Priest, Caiaphas, had to convince Pilate that Jesus was a troublemaker and a threat to Roman stability. He accused Jesus Christ of claiming to be a king — a charge that would insinuate Jesus in the crime of recruiting rebel forces to launch a revolution against Roman authority (Luke 23:2–5). To convince himself that the charges brought against Jesus Christ were true and deserved punishment by death, Pilate asked Jesus Christ: “ARE YOU THE KING OF THE JEWS?” (John 18:33).
When Jesus Christ answered Pilate and said, “MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD,” He was, in essence, telling Pilate the nature of his (Jesus Christ’s) kingdom and the source of its power. The statement, “MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD” points to the origin and nature of Christ’s kingdom, not the location. The authority and power of Jesus Christ’s kingdom are drawn from a source outside of this world — from God, our heavenly Father. Jesus Christ’s headship is not of human origin but divine.
Jesus did not come to earth to rule over a mortal empire. He came to bear witness to the truth of who He is — the Messiah, Saviour of the world. Everyone who loves and recognizes this truth is a citizen of Christ’s kingdom. Jesus' kingdom is unlike any on this earth. Other kingdoms are rooted in the realm of this world, but Jesus Christ’s is unique. His kingship is spiritual. It comes down to us from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33).
Because Jesus Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, He needed no earthly defence by mortal men and women. He had at his command more than 12 legions of angels who could defend him at any time (Matthew 26:53).
Because Jesus Christ’s kingdom is a spiritual one, only those who are born again by water (representing the word of God) and by the Spirit of God can see and enter Jesus Christ’s kingdom (John 3:3,5).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Besides the truth shared in today’s message, what else do you know about the kingdom of Jesus Christ? What are you doing to teach others who do not know the true nature and the source of the kingdom of Jesus Christ?
PRAYER:
Father, I confess that I lack an in-depth knowledge of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Please, teach me and empower me to teach others and also to labour to bring those outside into the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: WORLD
The word "world" comes from the Greek word kosmos (κόσμος), which primarily refers to the created order, the universe, or the earth, but it also often denotes the systems, values, and structures that are apart from God and opposed to His kingdom. In the context of our devotional, kosmos used in the key verse refers to the realm of human life and governance that operates apart from God’s authority and purposes.
In John 18:36, Jesus declares that His kingdom is not of this world, emphasizing that His reign does not conform to the power structures, political systems, or values of the earthly realm. Jesus' kingdom transcends the material world and is rooted in spiritual truth and divine authority. His mission is not to overthrow earthly rulers but to establish a spiritual kingdom based on righteousness, truth, and love. As believers, this distinction reminds us that while we live in this world, we are citizens of a higher, spiritual kingdom and should prioritize God's purposes over worldly systems and values.
Reflections:
How does recognizing that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world shape the way you live? Are there areas where you're too focused on the things of this world rather than the eternal values of God's kingdom?
Comentários