John 18:28-19:16

Key Verse: "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)

The Jews brought him forward, trying to do away with any evidence of this Christ, this “Messiah.” In their hearts was nothing but malice, but still they went through the motions of their pointless religiousness and brought Jesus to Pilate, not daring to set foot inside the Gentile place lest they be deemed ceremoniously unclean and banned from participating in the Passover. Trying to shift the blame, Pilate and the Jewish leaders passed responsibility for Christ’s fate back and forth, and Pilate consented to interview Jesus. He asked him many questions regarding the false charges brought against him, who he was, where he hailed from… The Jews, in their own conniving way, twisted Christ’s true identity and used it against him, declaring that Jesus claimed to be a king—the king of the Jews.

Later, this title would follow Christ all the way to the cross, a sign hanging above his head declaring satirically calling him “King of the Jews” (John 19:19). The title is true- Jesus is king of the Jews; in fact, he is king over all. However, when Pilate asked Jesus about this, Jesus turned to him and asked, “Is that your own idea, or did others talk to you about me?” (John 18:34). Pilate, avoiding the question and his own convictions, responded: “Am I a Jew? It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” (v. 35)

“Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.” He thought that he had Jesus cornered.

But, “Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me”” (18:36-37).

I thought a lot about what “the truth” was, and how it applied to my life. Obviously I am a Christian, but is the truth of the Gospel really making a difference in my life? I claim Jesus as my savior and as my king, but am I following him? I was challenged to think about what my responsibilities are as a follower of Christ, now that I know God’s truth. How can I protect, defend and proclaim it in a world that claims there are no absolutes?

My first step would be to grow personally with God. The more I understand His Word and His heart, the better I can follow His will and live in a way pleasing to Him, and also help others in their own walk. My hardest struggle is against laziness. I don’t possess a drive to get up and take initiative—for anything (ask my parents). If someone hands me a project that I don’t have to do, chances are I won’t do it, or the finished product will only be half-baked. I don’t like getting my hands dirty and prefer having things handed to me, instead.

I also don’t like confrontations. I am very self-conscious and aware of what people think about me. I hate leaving a bad impression and always try to be everyone’s friend. That’s really hard to do when so many people ignore the truth staring them in the face. Christians don’t have the friendly, down-home good guy vibe that they used to give off; now, people hear the word Christian and think close-minded, judgmental, misguided and unintelligent. While I am unashamed of my beliefs, I feel very hesitant to share them with others for fear of being labeled “one of those people.” And who doesn’t want people to like them?

Instead, I need to realize how real and terrible Hell is, and how much Christ suffered for me. Surely I can spend portions of my life in discomfort because someone doesn’t like me, or because my bible teacher is constantly pestering me to write testimonies. What are a thousand words and an hour’s time for the Lord, when he suffered and bled for me. When I remember the nails in his hands and feet, the thorns on his head… how can I not share that love with others just because I’m afraid they’ll think I’m an idiot? Jesus did nothing wrong—I am a sinful, evil human. I deserve what he suffered in my place, and a life of servitude can never compare to the love he demonstrated for me.

So pray for me to have the willpower and the strength to give God my focus, to write better testimonies and put more effort into Bible study; to step up and fill the role of a leader in today’s generation so that others can come to know the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Pray that I have the diligence and true love for God enough to stay on the side of truth.

One Word: Become a true follower of the King of Truth.