Thursday January 7, 2021

Today’s Reading: John 18:28-38

“You are a king then?” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”

John 18:37

Reflection: “What is truth?” Pilates asks Jesus in his private interrogation of Him. Today, the word truth is often associated with perspective. In many modern-day circumstances it has come to mean a perspective has been established and can be validated by one’s own experience or personal opinion. This is the type of ‘truth’ to which Pilate refers when he scoffs at Jesus. Pilate’s question dismisses Jesus’ statement that there is real truth with which to contend, that there is fact which stands regardless of his belief in it. What is this truth to which Jesus has come to testify?

This Truth is the Truth of His Kingship. Jesus tells Pilate that He was born to testify to the Truth, and speaks very plainly when He says that there is a Kingdom beyond this world.

The Truth of Jesus Kingship is just that: truth. Regardless of what people may think, this Truth remains to be dealt with by every living soul. While the Sovereign Kingship of Jesus does and will not change, all are called to choose whether or not to concede to this Truth. This is very different than the government systems of the world. People rule through exercising power and control over populations in a particular region. And, likewise, the Kingdom of God in its fullness is encased in the Gates of Heaven. But Jesus’ subjects also include people in the world who choose to be loyal to Him. And His Sovereignty and Will are not limited by time and space. Those who accept the Truth about Christ, no matter their location, are of His Kingdom. The Reign of our King extends to every heart who believes in the Truth of His Testimony.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You reign into eternity and Your Kingdom will never be shaken. You alone are worthy of all worship and praise. Thank You for revealing Your Truth to me, for allowing me to be a part of Your Kingdom. Thank You for being the One Good and Wise King. Please show me how You would like me to contribute to the Work of Your Kingdom, Lord. How might I be a part of what You are doing in the world? How might I share the Truth of Your Kingship? I pray all of these things in Your Wonderful Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): John 18:19-38; 2 Chronicles 27-28; Psalm 84