Listen

Pilate responded, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your nation and its chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.”

John 18:35-36

Think

Pilate’s confusion about Jesus continues. He presses Jesus for clarity. Jesus tells him he’s not the kind of king Pilate recognizes. Rulers in Pilate’s world reign with an iron fist; they’re brutal and use fear to preserve their power. Jesus’ kingdom isn’t like the Roman Empire. Jesus doesn’t reign through power grabs, but by serving the powerless. Love serves as the foundation of Jesus’ kingdom. His kingdom isn’t defined by geographic boundaries, but by hope, joy, justice, and peace.

Most of the kingdoms we see on a daily basis are like Pilate’s, centered on power and fear. You’ve only got to doomscroll for a few seconds to realize it can be tough to see signs of Jesus’ kingdom. Then, usually when we least expect it, we catch glimpses of the Spirit at work. These glimpses remind us the reigns of despair and heartache and injustice won’t have the last word. These glimpses encourage us to keep seeking Jesus’ kingdom and to trust the Spirit is making the kingdom visible through us.

Jennie Barber

Pray

Holy One,

Lift my eyes to see your hope.

Lift my feet to dance with your joy.

Lift my voice to sing of your justice.

Make your reign visible in and through me.

Amen.

Go

Go from the throne of grace,

Share God’s extravagant love,

Reveal Jesus’ breathtaking mercy,

Witness the Spirit’s transforming power,

Go boldly, with your heart wide open.