Jesus denies that his kingdom has a this-worldly origin or quality, but he does not deny that it has a this-worldly destination.
Jesus points out that his kingdom is unlike any earthly one where fighting, warring, and the power of might win the day. The rules of his kingdom are different. There is a loving ruler who cares, provides for, forgives, and
protects his followers. It is a kingdom where the subjects respond and serve out of love and respect for their ruler, not out of fear and dread. A kingdom where subjects lovingly respond to one another’s needs and desires following the example of their king. It is different from what Pilate’s world knew and practised.
Jesus came to demonstrate and give us this ‘out of this world’ knowledge and experience. All we need to do is accept
the king’s offer as he stretches his hand to us. In a final act of humility and power, Jesus stretched out his arms on the cross in an ‘other-worldly’ embrace to draw us finally into his kingdom.
Have you entered into the embrace of Jesus’ Kingdom?
Do you try to live as a daughter or son of that kingdom, day by day?
Do you serve as a true ambassador of God’s Kingdom, approaching the king and others as Jesus faced
Pilate – confidently, truthfully, humbly, and peacefully, despite what the world may throw at you?
Reflections by Reggie Venter
