Jn 18-19
Jesus, after praying for his disciples, on the next day He went to a garden in the evening to make final preparations to face the purpose for which He came. His disciples were there with him. It was a place known to Judas Iscariot, who had gone out before the New Commandment was given, to plot with the chief priest and the Pharisees on how to arrest Jesus. While Jesus was in solitude and prayers, Judas came with a band of heavily armed soldiers. They arrested him, took him to the chief priest and other religious leaders. But there we did not learn much from Christ. However, before Pilate in the morning, which was his last day on earth, the Lord spoke about great matters.
First Jesus said, “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.” This was in response to Pilate’s question, “Are you the king of the Jews?” How I wished the crowd that followed Jesus to Jerusalem were now here in this private discourse. They would have gained some understanding like many of us still need to. The Kingdom of Christ is not of this world. It is opposite to the kingdom of this world. It’s principles, manners, character, motives and all are totally opposite to what we know in the world. It is not like any political system of this world. Therefore, we cannot use worldly means to achieve kingdom purpose.
Secondly, the rulers of the world may appear sovereign but they are not. They may speak and act as if they are the final authority on all matters but it is not so (Jn 19:10). It is only to the extent that God allows them that they can operate. It is good that we constantly remind ourselves these things. God is Sovereign over all rulers of the world. Even when it seems we are weak against worldly powers, God is in control. Ultimately, everything will serve God’s purpose, to whom be glory forever. Halleluyah!
Lesson: Victory and glory await those who trust in the Lord through the tribulations of the world. Suffering and death are not the end, there is a glory here after that the princes of the world do not know. May you not be ignorant of this GLORY too!