Bible Studies
John 18:33-37 – Kingdom Authority
Key Verses:(NRSV)
- 33: “Then Pilate…summoned Jesus, and asked Him, ‘Are you King of the Jews?’” – Out of all the questions Pilate could have asked, he focuses on the only question that still faces us today – Who are your really, Jesus? From where does your authority come?
- 34: “Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on our own, or did others tell you about me?’” – Jesus is pointing an accusing finger at the scribes and Pharisees for putting Pilate up to this but, mostly, He is stressing the importance of having the correct attitude when we come seeking Him, and how it plays a critical role in understanding who He is.
- 35: “Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’” – The Pharisees, fearing how Jesus could affect their influence within the Jewish community, turned Him over to the Romans saying that Jesus claimed to be king – a charge of heresy against Rome.
- 36: “Jesus answered,, ‘My kingdom is not from this world.’” – The word kingdom can refer to the region of influence one has but, in this case it implies from where Jesus’ authority is based. His authority may not be human based but His influence is.
- 37: “Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” – Pilate’s next question, “But what is truth?” illustrates that he, personally, is outside God’s realm. When we come to know Christ, His truth becomes open and available to us in amazing clarity.
- Who is Jesus to you?
Promises of the Gospel:
Pilate sits as accuser/judge over Jesus and yet, he is faced with the exact same question we must all address in our lives. Who is Jesus? This is not a question for community. It is a uniquely personal question that can only be addressed on a personal basis. When we accept Christ as our Lord (king) and Savior, we find that we are able to turn over to Him control of the kingdoms we have ineffectively tried to rule. Instead of ruling our kingdoms we find that listening for His voice and focusing on His truth becomes a more important use of our time and better serves His kingdom for all time.
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Gary, nice job on this. Your points are clearly made, and you make personal challenges--which is what our relationship with Christ is all about!
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