Abide Together: Reflections on John 18

In John 18, Judas betrays Jesus and Peter cuts off the ear of the high priest’s slave.  Jesus is arrested and taken before Annas and Caiaphas.  Peter, who had seemed to be so bold by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s slave, now denies Jesus 3 times. Jesus is then led before Pilate, where Pilate tries to get out of making a judgment and instead have the Jews take care of this issue with Jesus.  The Jews show their hand by saying that they are not allowed to put anyone to death. Pilate questions Jesus as to whether He is a King or not.  Jesus says that His Kingdom is not of this world.  Jesus tells Pilate that HE came to testify to the truth and that everyone who is of the truth hears His voice.  Thank You, Lord for the joy it is to hear Your voice through Your Word.  The Jewish people are given an opportunity to choose a prisoner to be set free, they choose the robber – Barabbas, instead of the Savior, Jesus.  The things that stands out to me this morning is Jesus says His Kingdom was not of this world.  As a follower of Jesus, I need to be reminded that Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world.  Therefore, pursuing the things of this world (power, prestige, position, popularity, etc…) cannot be my goal.  Instead, I must make the building up of His Kingdom, through intention witness, my goal.  Lord, keep me focused on the building up of Your Kingdom.

– Bryan McKenzie