My Kingdom is Not of this World

Jerusalem’s religious authorities accused Jesus of being an evildoer. They wanted to execute Jesus but did not have legal authority to do so. So, they brought Jesus to Governor Pilate. He asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” [1]

Previously, some had pointed out to Jesus how the temple in Jerusalem was adorned with beautiful stones and donations. He responded, “The days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” [2]

No wonder some people said of Jesus, “He is Jeremiah.” Jesus prophesied of the destruction of the second temple. Jeremiah prophesied of the destruction of the first temple. The Babylonians “burned down the [first] temple, the palace, and the houses of all the important people in Jerusalem” in 587 BC. The Romans burned down the second temple in 70 AD. [3]

The temple in Jerusalem was a symbol of organized and popularly accepted religion in the days of Jeremiah and Jesus, but in both eras, the people in-charge had turned it into a den of thieves. [4]

When does it become necessary for God to correct an organized religion? Obviously, when fleecing the flock becomes more of the reason for operations than feeding them, than pointing them to Jesus for salvation.

Jesus told one of Jerusalem religious leaders, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The man was steep in Scripture knowledge, but unless he received the kingdom of God like a little child, he would never enter it. “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” [5]

Conversion is a heavenly naturalization process in which God brings me to a place of humility and KNOWING of my need of Jesus Christ to be saved. I need Jesus Christ. He in me. I in Him. Repenting of my sin and asking Him to save me, He gives me His Spirit. His Spirit births me into God’s family. Converting me to God! I am a new creation. I have become a citizen of God’s kingdom. [6]

What Moses said of the people of God in his day is still true of us today. Moses told people, “Be stiff-necked no longer.” [7] Our tendency is to resist change unless a very strong incentive to change is presented to us, otherwise known as the fear of God. Kind of like driving over the speed limit until a police car comes into view. Preachers in the Bible urged their listeners to fear God, turn from sin and turn to God. God is watching! He promises to judge transgression. He gives grace, love, mercy and joy to those who turn to Him.

Jesus warned, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.” “These are the days of vengeance.” “The Gentiles will trample Jerusalem until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” [8] The clouds of war are all about Jerusalem today.

What does Jesus say? “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” [9]

Snares spring on unsuspecting animals. Animals are most vulnerable when they assume that there is no trap. Jesus told us to pray that we will escape traps and stand before Him.

Note: Proverbs 7 warns us to beware of being seduced by a wayward person. Proverbs 8 urges us to follow the voice of wisdom. Revelation 18 speaks of the destruction of an evil seductive empire. Revelation 19:9 speaks of an invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb which symbolizes the union of Christ with His followers for all eternity. There are two kingdoms. The kingdom of unregenerate mankind, and the kingdom of Christ and His redeemed followers.

The Kingdom of Christ is not of this world. His kingdom is greater than the kingdoms of this world. Eventually, the world’s kingdom will be no more, but the kingdom of Christ is forever.

When I look at myself, I know I don’t deserve to be with God, but when I consider what Christ did for me on the cross and in His resurrection, I have hope. Because He lives, I too shall live. Jesus said, “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Praise the Lord! [10]

[1] John 18:28-40 (the whole account)
[2] Luke 21:5-6
[3] Matthew 16:14; Jeremiah 7:12-14; 52:13
[4] Jeremiah 7:9-11; Mark 11:17
[5] John 3:3; Luke 18:17
[6] Luke 18:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21
[7] Deuteronomy 10:16
[8] Luke 21:20, 22, 24
[9] Luke 21:34-36
[10] John 14:19; John 10:9