Christ the King
(John 18:23-38)
Imagine four blind men in a room, each touching a different part of an elephant. One feels a snake, another a tree trunk, the third a boulder, and the fourth wings. Each has a different perspective, yet they all describe the same elephant. This analogy helps us understand the four Gospels. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke share similar perspectives, John's Gospel offers a unique and profound view of King Jesus. John's Gospel paints a vibrant portrait of King Jesus as brave, innocent, honest, divine, and invincible.
King Jesus, the Brave
In John 18:28, the Jewish leaders refuse to enter the praetorium to avoid becoming defiled, while Jesus enters without hesitation. The Jewish leaders believe that avoiding the praetorium will keep them from being impure. However, their actions—delivering Jesus to Pilate—constitute a greater sin, as indicated in John 19:11, which states, "He who delivered Me to you has the greater sin."
King Jesus enters places where we cannot follow. Both 2 Corinthians 5:21 and 1 Peter 2:24 remind us that Jesus, who was without sin, took on our sins and bore them on the cross. King Jesus the Brave lived a life like ours so that we could live a life like His. He bears our sins, carries them to the cross, and endures our punishment, allowing us to be saved and reborn into a new life that reflects His righteousness.
King Jesus, the Innocent
Throughout the trial before Pontius Pilate, as recorded in John 18:29-30 and 18:38, no one can find fault with Jesus. Despite the baseless accusations, Pilate himself declares, "I find no guilt in him." Jesus' innocence reveals the injustice of His crucifixion and highlights His righteousness.
King Jesus the Innocent is a righteous King whose enemies cannot find any fault and, therefore, have to make up lies in order to carry out their evil schemes. King Jesus is a righteous king whose own life embodies the truth: “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10).
King Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb
In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is portrayed as a silent lamb before His accusers, fulfilling Isaiah 53:7. He does not defend Himself, embodying the meekness and humility of a lamb.
John's Gospel, however, presents Jesus as a lion. In John 18:19-23 and 18:33-34, Jesus boldly questions His accusers and asserts His authority. He is not just a silent lamb but a fierce lion who controls the narrative and demonstrates His sovereignty.
King Jesus, the Honest
In John 18:37-38, Jesus declares He came to testify to the truth. His mission is not just to be a king but to reveal the truth about God, humanity, and salvation. John emphasizes that knowing the truth, which is Jesus Himself (John 14:6), will set us free from sin (John 8:32) and set us apart through sanctification (John 17:17).
King Jesus, the Divine
In John 18:36, Jesus tells Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world. King Jesus is not just any king; He is a divine King who transcends all human kings, which establishes His kingdom forever. The present world is passing away, but King Jesus is ushering in a new heavens and a new earth over which His kingdom will rule and reign. Though King Jesus's kingdom is not of this world, it is present in the world to deliver those who believe from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13).
King Jesus, the Invincible
Despite the mockery and suffering Jesus endures during His trial and crucifixion, He remains invincible. The crown of thorns, the robe, and the cross, all symbols of mockery, become symbols of His kingship and victory. Even in His suffering, Jesus demonstrates His authority and invincibility.
King Jesus is worthy of our trust, devotion, and worship. He is brave, innocent, honest, divine, and invincible. As we reflect on His kingship, let us strive to live as citizens of His eternal kingdom, embracing His truth and surrendering to His authority. May we be transformed by His righteousness and live lives that reflect His glory.
Peace be with you!
Pastor Bruce
