Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?" "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" 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. 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 18:33-37

Yesterday in our churches we celebrated "Christ the King" Sunday.  If we are going to think about Christ as "king," what thoughts might we expect to hear?  Perhaps thoughts about how Jesus is almighty, how he can do all things?  Would we have expected to hear a segment of the Bible in which one of Jesus' miracles is recorded, like raising Lazarus from the dead, or turning water into wine, or healing the blind, or some other mighty miracle?  Sure!  That would make sense!

But would we have expected this segment of the Bible?  Jesus, as he stands before Pontius Pilate, looks like anything but a king.  He's a man on trial, and his accusers are seeking the death penalty.  No army rises to fight for him; rather, his few followers have run away, denied him, betrayed him.  Is this ... a king?!

The amazing answer is, "Yes!  This is THE King!"  And this King shows his love ... how?  He shows his love to you by giving his life for you!  He shows his love for you NOT by demanding your obedience to him, but by sacrificing himself for you.  And thereby, he's won for you what you really need - a kingdom not of this world, but an eternal kingdom in heaven.

So as you sit down for your Thanksgiving meal later this week, yes, thank God for the many physical gifts with which he's blessed you. His mercies are new every morning!  But please also remember to thank God for the eternal, spiritual blessings which he's won for you.  Your King – Jesus - won for you a kingdom, an eternal home, in heaven!

Prayer: 
Lord Jesus, rule my heart!  Fill it with the peace of knowing that you've won forgiveness for me.  Focus me on the eternal kingdom which you've won for me.  In your name I pray.  Amen. 

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