Jesus had done nothing wrong. Pilate did not ask first about His supposed crime, but His identity. In asking if He was the king of the Jews he might elicit self-confessed treason. Instead Jesus admitted to being a king but not over any territory of this world. If that was so, then His servants would have prevented His arrest.
His kingdom was from another place. That means He was not authorised by human beings to rule over a particular country. He was authorised by Father God to rule over the hearts of every person. So He was King over all the Jews and also over Pilate. Jesus was not answerable to them; they were accountable to Him.
That is still true. Every person on earth has to give an account to Jesus (Romans 14:9-12). Although many may think that they can accuse, blame, abuse and ignore Jesus, they are wrong. We cannot choose our Eternal King. He is appointed over everybody; and His Name is Jesus. That is why millions of believers, who are troubled about the eternal fate of their friends and colleagues, want to present the gospel to them. You can tell others by encouraging them to watch www.crosscheck.org.uk). Jesus the King knows their identity; make sure you let them know how to discover Jesus while there is time.
The Identity Of The Prisoner
John 18:33-36
Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?" "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." (NIV)
Prayer
Sovereign Lord. Thank You that Jesus is the only appointed King over the hearts of all people. Forgive me when I ignore His authority or become careless about the eternal fate of others. Please help me to see Jesus as Lord of all and King of everybody so that I can serve Him better, in telling others about Him. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Bible Book
© Dr Paul Adams
