“My Kingdom Is Not of This World”
Seeking Jesus First - August 13, 2026
“My Kingdom Is Not of This World”
Please Read John 18:28–40 (NKJV)
Reflection
They led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early morning, and the Jewish leaders themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled and unable to eat the Passover. Pilate then went out to them and asked, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”
When Pilate entered the Praetorium again and called Jesus, he said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
Pilate said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Pilate’s response was, “What is truth?” Then he went out again and told the people he found no fault in Jesus. Yet when given the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a robber, they cried out for Barabbas.
Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world — it does not originate from the world’s systems, nor does it advance by the world’s methods of force and political power. Yet this does not mean He has no kingdom or no authority. After the resurrection He declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Scripture also calls Him “the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Even earthly kings receive their dominion from God (Daniel 2:37). Jesus came to be King, and the Father has established Him as King over all.
The world system, however, still prefers Barabbas — the one who takes by force — over the King who bears witness to the truth.
Application
Today, examine where your loyalty rests. Are you drawn to the methods and values of this world’s system, or are you living under the authority of the King whose kingdom is not of this world?
Renew your mind with this truth: Jesus is King. His kingdom does not operate by the world’s power, yet all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. Choose today to hear His voice, to stand with the truth, and to refuse the cry for Barabbas in your own heart and decisions.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus is the true King. Thank You that His kingdom is not of this world, yet all authority has been given to Him. Forgive us for the times we have preferred the ways of this world over the ways of His kingdom. Align our hearts with the truth He came to bear witness to. Help us to hear His voice and to live under His kingship today. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.