SCRIPTURE: John 18
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” [John 18:26]
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” [John 18:37]
At last Jesus plainly states that He is “a king”, but not like other kings.
When He says that kingdom is not of the this world, He is not saying that it is not in this world, but that it is not like this world, made from the same ‘stuff’ as kingdoms in this world.
The kind of ‘stuff’ that kingdoms in this world are made of include palaces and armies and politics and warfare.
Kingdoms in this world use the rule of might and force to attain and maintain their power and prestige.
But my kingdom is from another place.

This is why the Jews want to crucify Him; this is why Judas gave up on Him, and why even His followers deserted Him.
They could not understand a king that would not build an army, and vanquish the Roman scum.
They could not understand a kingdom that did not have high ranking officials, which of course they would be.
They could not understand a king or kingdom that did not want money, but rather gave it away.
They could not tolerate anyone who would relate with low-life, even welcome them onto His team.
The good news of Jesus is that finally, this world gets to see another kind of kingdom.
The world has seen its share of worldly kingdoms, and many people have suffered as a result.
But Jesus comes declaring that God’s kingdom is near; by this He means that He is the living embodiment of how things are in God’s kingdom – love for the least, the last and the lost.

If Christ’s kingdom were of this world, then His servants would work hard to build their kingdoms, their positions, their wealth, their place and prestige and power in the world.
If Christ’s kingdom were of this world, they would be more focused on ‘buildings, butts (in the pew) and budgets.’
Hmm, if you are getting my not-so-subtle hint here, you may note that I think the church has become worldly.
We act as if the kingdom is now of this world, therefore we build up our part of it just like everyone else.
And we would fight to prevent the demise of our little kingdom…
Jesus did not come to build buildings, increase budgets or gather butts – He came to demonstrate an alternative way of living and loving and serving and sharing and blessing.
Technically there is nothing wrong with having a building, or a budget, or lots of people.
But there is really nothing right about having them either – and I would suggest that in this world, having them is a greater danger than blessing.

Our focus needs to be on being light in the community where He sends us, demonstrating His kingdom ways in our actions and words, known for our love and not for our programs.
Taking the role of a servant in society is not as glorious as attending or leading a “happening” church.
But taking the role of a servant in society is the way that His kingdom works, the way that His kingdom comes.
The way that this kind of king leads.
Are you engaged in the kingdom of heaven, living the kind of life our King lived?

PRAYER:
Lord, today You are sending me to be Your servant, to live and love and act and speak according to Your heavenly priorities and principles. Make me a servant to the least, the last and the lost.