“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’” (John 18:36)
Not only the religious elite, but also the Roman political leaders were suspicious about men calling themselves ‘king of the Jews’. They were always on guard against a rebellion. So, when Jesus was arrested and delivered to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, he asked him first of all: “Are you the King of the Jews?”. Jesus’ answer was remarkable. He did not deny that He was the expected King, but said that his kingdom is not of this world.
This truth was hard to grasp, even for Jesus’ closest disciples. They were expecting liberation from the Roman oppressors and political restoration. But Jesus focused on people’s liberation from the power of Satan and the ‘restoration’ of their relationship with their Creator. His Kingdom would not come suddenly, but grow like a tree. In the words of the prophet Zechariah: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
Jesus wants to be King over our lives, but He is not a political leader. One day, when this world comes to an end, He will create a new earth where He will rule forever.
Do you recognize that Jesus has absolute authority over your life? Do you like this idea, or would you rather ‘be your own king’?