Want Truth? Listen to Jesus!
Brandt Gillespie
(Audio: English)
SUMMARY: In the account of Jesus' interrogation before Pilate, Jesus states that His kingdom is not of this world and that He came to testify to the truth. In a world where people are trying to establish their own kingdoms, Jesus' kingdom is the opposite of those built through power plays and selfish ambition. We must listen to Jesus, who is the eternal truth, in a world filled with competing philosophies and voices claiming truth.
Today, we are examining the account of Jesus’ interrogation before Pilate, the Roman governor in Jerusalem. You may recall that Pilate’s wife had received a prophetic dream in the night and had warned her husband not to cause harm to Jesus because He was a “just man.” Pilate became a reluctant player in the drama that played out, for it was the religious leaders, the chief priests, who incited the people to demand that Jesus be crucified.
As Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate asked Him if He was the king of the Jews and what had He done to cause the chief priests to hand Him over. Jesus responded, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’ ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.’ ‘What is truth?’ retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, ‘I find no basis for a charge against him’” (John Chapter 18, verses 36-38, New International Version).
It is vital that Jesus’ words resonate in our spirits today.... “My kingdom is not of this world.” We live in a time when leaders are trying to establish their own kingdoms, whether they be built through political structures, the media, technology, education, or entertainment. Even within the Church of Jesus Christ, some seek to set up their own kingdoms. Jesus’ Kingdom is the antithesis of the kingdoms of men which are established in brute force, power plays, manipulation and selfish ambition.
Today, may we truly hear Jesus’ significant words deep in our spirits.... “Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” Jesus and His words of life are eternal lasting truth. In a world filled with competing philosophies and clamoring voices each claiming truth, let us draw close to One who is the “Way, the Truth and the Life.”
As Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate asked Him if He was the king of the Jews and what had He done to cause the chief priests to hand Him over. Jesus responded, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’ ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.’ ‘What is truth?’ retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, ‘I find no basis for a charge against him’” (John Chapter 18, verses 36-38, New International Version).
It is vital that Jesus’ words resonate in our spirits today.... “My kingdom is not of this world.” We live in a time when leaders are trying to establish their own kingdoms, whether they be built through political structures, the media, technology, education, or entertainment. Even within the Church of Jesus Christ, some seek to set up their own kingdoms. Jesus’ Kingdom is the antithesis of the kingdoms of men which are established in brute force, power plays, manipulation and selfish ambition.
Today, may we truly hear Jesus’ significant words deep in our spirits.... “Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” Jesus and His words of life are eternal lasting truth. In a world filled with competing philosophies and clamoring voices each claiming truth, let us draw close to One who is the “Way, the Truth and the Life.”
