2. 12. Jesus: Otherworldly King
John 18:28-40
p. 997

3. Esoteric discusion A discussion of kingship & truth
Even spiritualizing it , it seems distant
What it means to be “in” but not “of” the world
Jesus is living the reality of it.

4. 1. Two Men: Two Worlds Pilate: Prefect (governor) of Judaea
Administers Roman Law in the province.
His greatest fear is insurrection.
His boss is the Legate of Syria – controls the Legions.
We all know what it’s like to try to please someone we’re trying to impress.
Sanhedrin couched their request in political terms.
“King of the Jews”, stirring up trouble – that’s important!

5. How do we relate to Jesus’ calm serenity in the face of injustice?
1. Two Men: Two Worlds . . .
Sanhedrin outside, Jesus inside.
The more he learns the more he’s sure Jesus isn’t a concern
Jesus worked through his conflicts in prayer
He is calm and resolute.
No protestations, accusations, explanations
Talks of a kingdom “not of this world” but of “truth”.
How do we relate to Jesus’ calm serenity in the face of injustice?

6. 2. A Kingdom without Coercion
Governments need to have police and military forces.
This is the Kingdom that Jesus breaks into the world.
Under persecution the church thrives.
Force is the way of the world.
The church’s power is the Holy Spirit taking hold of lives.
Voluntary membership by faith.
Soaks up evil through non-retaliatory, God glorifying life.

7. Today, truth is whatever I decide it is.
3. A Kingdom of Truth
Pilate could care less about their red-neck religion.
He wants no part of a religious dispute among the Jews.
BUT ... The situation is challenging him personally.
Jesus draws Pilate into making personal choices.
But Pilate is dismissive of truth.
Today, truth is whatever I decide it is.

8. Jesus knows better (19:9-11)
3. A Kingdom of Truth . . .
Jesus knows better (19:9-11)
Pilate does not know the source of his power – Jesus does.
Jesus knows the unseen reality beyond this world.
His purpose is to bear witness to this truth.
The Kingdom without enforcement takes into account the full reality of the cosmos.

9. Jesus reveals how to be “in” but not “of” the world.
3. A Kingdom of Truth . . .
Jesus reveals how to be “in” but not “of” the world.
He does not operate in the world’s categories or means.
God is in control.

10. 4. Cannot be in Both Worlds
They are diametrically opposite.
The religious leaders:
Think they are servants of the creator God.
Resort to the very things that contradict God’s kingdom
As God’s people we live in light of the whole reality.

11. Living It The glory of God Living in truth.
Jesus has worked through his agony
He is the only serene one in the situation.
Living in truth.
The wonder of our salvation
We can be honest about our IDENTITY and our DESIRES.

12. Living It . . .
Identity:
Image: appearance, beauty, fitness, fashionability?
Success: achievement, recognition, wealth, expertise?
Character: leadership, friendliness, strength, creativity?
Roles: parent, spouse, entrepreneur, researcher, volunteer?
Heritage: ethnicity, culture, family, nationality
Find our identity in relationship with our creator God

13. Seek the glory of God. Live in the truth.
Living It . . .
Desires:
What are our hopes? What motivates us?
Jesus entrusted himself to God (1 Pe 2:23)
Our desires wage war within us (1 Pe 2:11)
To live “in” the world but not “of” it:
Seek the glory of God. Live in the truth.