Jesus has been betrayed, arrested, mocked, struck, falsely accused and denied…now, early in the morning, we see Him being taken to Pilate, the Roman authority, for questioning. The text for our devotional as to how Jesus responds is taken from John 18:28-37. Read these verses before watching the video below.
As we’ve done before, here are a few questions to help guide a time of reflection and study of Jesus’ response. And beyond study, there is much for us to apply to our own lives.
In part 1 of discovering Jesus’ purpose he speaks of suffering and dying - according to these verses what was His purpose for coming to earth? Is this normally how we see a king behave?
What truth is Jesus bearing witness to? Are you able to explain this truth in simple, easy to understand terms?
Although I’ve asked before, pause yet again to consider: these verses seem to indicate that Jesus’ betrayal, rejection, arrest and subsequent killing were all part of the plan - what does this tell us about God? For further reflection see Peter’s sermons in Acts 2:22-23 and Acts 3:17-21, and the believers’ prayer in Acts 4:24-30.
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” How do you think He would have acted differently if His kingdom was of this world?
Paul refers to what Jesus said in 1 Timothy 6:11-16 as the “good confession” - have you made this good confession yourself?
If someone’s kingdom is of this world, what do they act like? How does your life - your actions, your decisions, your attitudes, your thoughts - how do they look different if your kingdom is also not of this world? Look again at what’s written in those verses Paul wrote to Timothy - what does the life of a person who has made this confession look like according to Scripture?
For prayer today I would encourage you to again, as always, thank Jesus for His coming into our world. Recognize the purpose for which He was sent, and beyond recognizing it, receive it. Above all today, ask the Holy Spirit where your kingdom is, as He answers respond accordingly.