Devotion:
Read John 18.
Do any of you remember the play Our Town by Thornton Wilder? It appears to be a simple play line, but there is so much more going on in the big scheme of the plot. There is so much in this chapter of John 18 that it reminds me of that play. The people can’t see Jesus’ big picture. Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests. He was arrested and assaulted. Peter denied him. He was sent before Pilate, the governor of Rome to stand trial. Pilate questions why this seemingly non-threatening Jesus would cause the Jewish leaders so much worry. Pilate also found it crazy that Jesus claimed to be a king.
Sadly, Pilate could not see the big picture. He could not see the bigger trauma and issues around him. Pilate could not see beyond the Roman Empire to the kingdom of real life that Jesus was bringing in. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus’ kingdom was not and is not established or maintained by military might. Jesus’ kingdom is built and is maintained on love and grace. It cannot fail. Our lives today are under Jesus’ reign; through him God gave us access to His eternal kingdom. What a great comfort and joy!
Personal Worship Option:
We rejoice that Jesus is King and that His kingdom is established by the power of love. We are so grateful for the life that His kingdom brings for us. O God, equip us for your kingdom work, we pray. In Jesus name, Amen.
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