‘Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”’ (John 18:36 ESV).
When Pilate asked Jesus whether he was the king of the Jews, Jesus answered that his kingdom is not of this world. Jesus did not deny being a King. He used the word “my” three times saying, “My Kingdom and my servants.” But he did make it clear that his Kingdom is “not of this world.” If his was an earthly kingdom, his followers would have fought to defend their king, but Jesus wouldn’t allow it. He even rebuked Peter for drawing his sword to cut off the ear of one who came to arrest him.
Jesus came to establish an eternal kingdom, a heavenly kingdom. Yet, though his kingdom is not “of” this world, that does not mean his kingdom is not “in” it. For didn’t Jesus teach his disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”?
Where in the world is Christ’s kingdom? Wherever Christ is recognized as king. Have you made Christ your King? Then His Kingdom has come to your house.
Christ’s Kingdom does not exist according to worldly principles, nor is it defended by worldly methods. So when worldly kingdoms rise and fall, Christ’s Kingdom and followers are continue on. For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we renew our allegiance to King Jesus today. We declare Him King over every arena of our lives. We pray as Jesus taught us. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Let Your will be done in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.