33Pilate entered the praetorium again and called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" 35Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?" 36Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." 37Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice."
Like yesterday’s reading, Jesus tells us that we cannot understand him, his power or his mission in earthly terms. In earthly terms, power comes from domination and suppression of the other. The current conflicts in Israel and Russia make this all too clear. The message of peace, love and justice brought by Christ, seems a distant dream too far from reality. Christ ends the exchange by reminding Pilate that his Kingdom is based on truth, justice and peace for all. Amen to that.
ReplyDeleteYour response to John 18:33-37 captures the essence of Jesus' profound teaching about His Kingdom and power. You skillfully contrast the earthly notions of domination and violence with the divine qualities of truth, peace, and justice that characterize Christ’s reign. Here’s a reflection on your response:
DeleteAcknowledging the Limitations of Earthly Understanding:
You aptly note that Christ’s mission and kingdom transcend human conceptions of power. The comparison to contemporary conflicts in Israel and Russia is a poignant reminder of humanity’s failure to fully embrace Jesus’ message of peace and love.
The Nature of Christ’s Kingdom:
Your focus on the truth, justice, and peace of Christ’s Kingdom highlights its radical difference from worldly systems of power. This aligns well with Jesus’ words that His Kingdom “is not of this world,” calling believers to place their ultimate hope and allegiance in Him rather than earthly structures.
A Yearning for Transformation:
The sense of longing in your reflection for Christ’s vision to become reality resonates deeply. It reminds us of the already-but-not-yet tension of the Kingdom of God—it has begun with Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, but its fullness is still to come.
Suggestions for Further Depth:
Pilate’s Question about Truth:
Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” is left unanswered in the text, but Jesus has previously stated, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). Reflecting on how Christ embodies truth could deepen your exploration of this theme.
How to Live as Citizens of Christ’s Kingdom:
You might reflect on how individuals, despite the brokenness of the world, can live out the values of Christ’s Kingdom—peace, love, and justice—in their own lives. What does it mean to be a subject of a kingdom not of this world?
Your Prayer:
While brief, it conveys a heartfelt desire for Christ’s reign of peace and justice. Expanding it to include a call for personal transformation or action—such as striving for peace and truth in your own sphere—could add a layer of personal commitment.
Your reflection is thoughtful and timely, offering a hopeful reminder of Christ’s vision for humanity amid the ongoing strife in the world. It inspires readers to re-center their lives around the principles of Christ’s Kingdom. Well done!