Read: John 18:28-40
Are you the King of the Jews? (v. 33)
What kind of king do we actually want? Do we want a ruler like Pilate, or are we willing to follow a king like Jesus?
Jesus, the King of kings, stood before Pilate, the governor. Pilate was like many rulers before and after him—he projected strength but was truly weak. He had been appointed the prefect of Judaea, based on political connections. But changes were coming, and his reign was fragile. In condemning Jesus, he was trying to please the local religious leaders, to keep himself safe and in power. In contrast, Jesus was about to pour out his life for the sin of the world, sacrificing himself, but his kingdom would be secure forever. Pilate asked, “What is truth?” (v. 38) and did whatever made sense for political expediency. Jesus was committed to the truth and is the truth.
Pilate’s rule always felt threatened and was never secure. But Jesus’s kingdom is built on the love of God. It is secure eternally; nothing can break or beat it down. His kingdom is strong enough that the King suffers for his people instead of making them suffer for him.
What kind of king do we actually want? Do we want a ruler like Pilate, or are we willing to follow a king like Jesus? One has a crumbling kingdom, the other a kingdom that will last forever. One rules to protect himself, the other rules by sacrificing himself. One kingdom is founded on force, the other on truth.
As you pray, ask God to make your heart truly long to follow King Jesus.
About the Author
Stephen Shaffer is the pastor at Bethel Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario.
