John 18:33-37 – Christ’s kingship is totally other than this world. Jesus explains to Pilate that, though He is a king, His kingship is not of this world. Pilate has Jesus inside his court and the Jews are outside. Pilate is torn between the two. He is trying to make up his mind by asking Jesus questions. His first question is whether Jesus is a king. This is a political term and thus it is very dangerous. Jesus dodges the question by asking Pilate if this was his or others’ opinion. The other question concerns what Jesus has done. Jesus explains that His kingship is not of this world. This is proved by the fact that Jesus is not using force to defend Himself. Jesus explains that His mission in the world was to bear witness to the truth. But, only those of the truth and of God will accept His words as truth.
Why was Jesus born? Here we have the answer in Jesus’ own words He was born to bear witness of the truth. He was sent by God. He was given a message. He had a destiny. Because of this, He had a reason to live and knew the meaning of life. In a world where many drift and are confused as to the way and wherefore of life, Christ has a message: Discover your divine destiny. As a follower of Christ, one’s mission is to bear witness to the truth – the truth of God’s love for a fallen humanity.
For strong faith in Christ – Almighty and ever-living God, since You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who believe, grant us so perfectly and without all doubt to believe in Your Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in Your sight may never be reproved; through our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.[2] 19 November 2021
[1] The New Heaven, Schnorr
Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and
congregational use
[2] A Collect for a strong faith in Christ, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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