What Manner of King | Rev David Gore | John 18:33-37

Summary

This thought-provoking reflection explores the nature of kingship and truth, contrasting worldly power with the reign of Jesus. While earthly monarchs hold power over people, Jesus’ kingdom empowers individuals through love, service, and truth. The narrative centers on Jesus' conversation with Pontius Pilate, questioning the sincerity of his inquiry and highlighting the importance of genuine engagement with truth. The speaker challenges us to embrace Jesus' kingship, not out of fear or obligation, but through a willing submission to a life of mercy, justice, and eternal truth, offering true freedom and transformation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kings and queens today serve more ceremonial and symbolic roles, unlike in Jesus' time, where monarchy represented true political power.
• 😀 Pontius Pilate was concerned about Jesus' claim to be king because it signified a potential political threat, reflecting the power dynamics of the time.
• 😀 Information today feels overwhelming and often lacks clarity, unlike in the past when knowledge was directly tied to power.
• 😀 Jesus challenges Pilate's inquiry about kingship by questioning his sincerity, highlighting the importance of genuine curiosity and a personal pursuit of truth.
• 😀 The way we engage with information often reflects either a desire to understand deeply or simply stay informed about popular discussions.
• 😀 True understanding of Jesus as king requires a sincere heart that seeks more than just information, but a desire to align with his purpose.
• 😀 A story from 'Harry Potter' illustrates the concept that true understanding or power only comes when a person's intentions are pure and not for selfish reasons.
• 😀 Jesus empowers people to serve in his way, offering a power that is about selfless service, not coercion or control.
• 😀 The kingdom of Jesus is not a physical realm but exists wherever people willingly accept his rule in their hearts.
• 😀 Pilate’s interaction with Jesus about truth shows how truth, no matter how suppressed, always has the power to emerge and challenge our perceptions.
• 😀 Ultimately, the way of Jesus—based on love, mercy, forgiveness, and justice—is eternal and will prevail over all other power structures in history.

Q & A

How does the speaker describe the role of monarchy today?

The speaker explains that in modern times, monarchies often serve as symbolic figures or mascots, with little actual power. Their role is more ceremonial, reassuring the people about their national identity, rather than exercising political control.

What contrast does the speaker draw between ancient and modern monarchy?

In ancient times, monarchy was a system of real, unfettered power. Kings and queens had authority that directly impacted people's lives. In contrast, today’s monarchs mainly have symbolic roles and are not the primary sources of political power.

What is the significance of Pilate's question to Jesus about being a king?

Pilate's question, 'Are you a king?' was driven by political concern. He wanted to know if Jesus posed a political threat, as claiming to be a king could imply a challenge to Roman authority. Jesus’ response, however, goes beyond this political context and invites Pilate to reflect on his own motives.

What does Jesus’ question to Pilate reveal about the nature of truth and inquiry?

Jesus asks Pilate whether his question is genuine or if he is merely repeating what others have said. This challenges Pilate—and us—to examine whether our pursuit of truth comes from sincere curiosity or is just a surface-level engagement with popular opinions.

How does the speaker interpret the statement 'information is power' in today's context?

The speaker suggests that while information used to be seen as power, today it often results in confusion or information overload. In our current age, the real challenge is discerning which information is worth paying attention to and which is simply noise.

What comparison does the speaker make between different forms of power (e.g., government, police) and Jesus' kingship?

The speaker compares traditional forms of power—like government, police, and judicial systems, which are based on authority and often enforce compliance through coercion—to Jesus' kingship, which is not about control or domination but empowering people to live a life of service, love, and justice.

What is the 'different kind of power' that Jesus offers according to the speaker?

Jesus offers a power that empowers people to live eternally, not by dominating or controlling others, but by serving, loving, and following His example. His kingship invites people into a life of humility, service, and transformation.

What is the significance of the story about the man who helped hang the nativity banner?

The story illustrates how Jesus' way of kingship works. The man helped out of a desire to do something good, not because he was coerced or manipulated. Similarly, Jesus empowers people to participate in good works and contribute positively to the world without force or control.

How does the speaker describe Jesus' kingdom in contrast to earthly kingdoms?

The speaker notes that Jesus’ kingdom is not based on geographical borders or territorial authority. Instead, it exists wherever people willingly submit to His kingship in their hearts. Jesus' kingdom is found in the desires of those who choose to follow Him.

What role does truth play in the interaction between Pilate and Jesus?

In their interaction, Pilate asks, 'What is truth?' as a rhetorical question, distancing himself from the reality of Jesus’ kingship. However, despite Pilate’s evasion, the truth about Jesus' identity as king remains evident, showing that truth persists regardless of whether people acknowledge it.

What does the speaker mean by the statement, 'truth has a way of revealing itself'?

The speaker suggests that truth, even if suppressed or ignored, has a way of emerging over time. Just as historical truths about injustices come to light, the truth of Jesus' kingship and His way of life will ultimately prevail, regardless of human attempts to deny or distort it.

What is the speaker’s overall message about following Jesus as King?

The speaker emphasizes that following Jesus as King is not about fear or obligation, but about recognizing the goodness and truth of His way. Jesus' kingship offers freedom, empowering us to live a life of love, mercy, justice, and kindness, ultimately leading us to eternal life.