Theme: John 18:36-38
Text: Kingdom of Truth
The Lord is good; His love endures forever. This month we would learn the Word of God under the theme: I am the truth, keeping in mind the general theme of the year, I am the way the Truth and the Life.
Once again, we face a pandemic situation. The world is struggling to find out the way out. The believers in Christ continue to trust in the Lord and interpret the days from biblical and gospel perspectives. These are the beginnings of the birth bangs of pain, yet the end will not come until the gospel is preached to all creation.
Today, let us meditate on the topic: the Kingdom of Truth, based on John 18:36-38.
Three things I would like to share with you this morning based on this theme and text:
1. Kingdoms of the World
2. Jesus the King of Kings
3. Characteristics of the Citizens of the Kingdom of Truth
1. Kingdoms of the World
A kingdom refers to an admeasured area of land inclusive of the forest, wilderness, and territories with water bodies, and it has people groups and languages. Kingdom defined as "a country or state or territory, ruled by a king or queen." It refers to the geographical area. Political kingdoms dominate other kingdoms in the created world.
The royal powers and states are established, furnished by earthly force, ordinances, physical energies, material wealth, and imperial armies. ‘The kingdoms of the world are defended by arms, they maintain armies and engage in wars’ (Barnes).
In the Linnean taxonomic system, organisms are grouped based on fundamental similarities and common ancestry. One widely used taxonomic system designates five kingdoms (by many countries) and six kingdoms (by the USA and Canada). The kingdoms are called animals, plants, fungi, protists, and prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) (Ref: Taxonomic System).
The one horrific kingdom which is terrifying and overpowering all the kingdoms on the earth is the Virus Kingdom. It does not have a separate geographical area but a threat to the entire human race and some species.
Within the Human Kingdom, there are several kingdoms and territories. As of date, there are 195 recognized countries according to the UN. However, there are small states and territories numbered to 243, which does not include in the UN list. There are about 6909 languages in the world apart from numerous dialects. There are 21 formal religions in the world. The main two categories of religions, such as Abrahamic traditions and Indian Traditions. Abrahamic religions are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Bahaism, etc., Indian traditions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, etc.,
How these kingdoms came into existence on the earth? Bible explains the formation, classification of the Kingdoms and nations on the earth. We find them in Genesis (Genesis 10:1-32). Then the plan of redemption found in Genesis as planned by God even before the foundation of the world (Genesis 12:1-3, Ephesians 1:4).
God called Abraham, blessed him, and promised him that he would bless all peoples on earth through him (Genesis 12:3). Consequently, Jesus was born and came into the world to redeem all nations at the fulfilled time of God (Galatians 3:8, 14; 4:4). The kingdom of Truth prevails against all these earthly kingdoms and territories. Therefore, unquestionably Jesus is the King of Kings.
2. Jesus the King of Kings
Jewish and Roman leaders accused Jesus that he was trying to make Himself as a king and setting up a kingdom in opposition to Caesar. Jesus replied to Pilate, saying, My kingdom is not of this world. My kingdom is from another world. Jesus accepted the verdict of the Pilate that He was a King.
He also expressed to Pilate that he was a born King and came into the world. When we read John 18:36 carefully, Jesus has used the word MY four times. Twice he used the word My Kingdom, then once My servants and my arrest.
According to James Nisbet Pulpit Commentary, Jesus did not disclaim the idea of His purpose to set up a kingdom. But He affirmed that His kingdom was of such a nature that Caesar had no reason to fear competition or rivalry for earthly dominion from Him because His Kingdom was ‘not of this world.’
According to Ellicott, Jesus told Pilate that ‘He was not a political King but a moral king’. According to Matthew Henry, ‘The nature of Christ’s Kingdom is not worldly. But a kingdom within men, set up in their hearts and consciences; richly spiritual, and glory within. The weapons are a spiritual force to maintain and advance it, nor opposed any kingdom but that of sin and Satan. Its object and design are not worldly.
Barnes says that Christ has dominion over his citizen's hearts, subdues their evil passions and corrupt desires, and brings their soul to the love of peace and unity. According to Gill, everything that is carnal, sensual, and worldly must be removed from our conceptions of Christ's kingdom of Truth (ref: biblehub.com).
According to T. W. Manson, Jesus meant that it is not, as all the other world Empires are, the product of human skill, or courage, or ingenuity, or wickedness. It is not a human institution at all but a divine gift (Coffman Commentary, ref:studylight.org).
Eusebius, Historian (Eccles. lib. iii. c. 20), writes that "The relatives of our Lord were brought before Domitian, and interrogated whether they were of the family of David; and what sort the kingdom of Christ was, and where it would appear? They answered, that this kingdom was neither of this world, nor of an earthly nature; that it was altogether heavenly and angelical; and that it would not take place till the end of the world."(ref:studylight.org/Adam Clark).
Then Jesus broke the mystery that his Kingdom is the kingdom of Truth. Pilate asked Christ, What is Truth? But Pilate never waited for the reply. He never bothered about justice. He was so much concerned and cared for his position and power. He was trying to please people, execute false, and retain his power as Governor. Pilate was familiar with the kingdoms of the world and not of the other world. But Jesus refers to the spiritual reign or authority of God without a particular geographical area.(ref: biblehub.com).
Jesus never declared that he was a King except before the Pilate. However, the trouble had started with the question of the Magi from the east, “where is the one who has been born King of Jews?” (Mathew 2:2,6).
Nathanael declared in the beginning that Jesus was the King of Israel, and it was attested in the Temple by Children (John 1:49, John 12:13). Mother of John and James requested Jesus to make her sons next to him in his Kingdom thinking a worldly kingdom (Mathew 20:20-21, Mark 10:35-41).
Jesus confessed before the Sanhedrin that he was the Son of Man and the Son of God. He responded according to their level of understanding. Even today, Jesus is known as King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). He is now known as the ruler of the Kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5).
The Lamb is known as Lord of lords and King of kings. His subjects are called, chosen, and faithful followers. They are the followers of the Truth (Revelation 17:14). This Lamb of God has the title robe written in the thigh as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).
Jesus Christ is the King expressed in the Old Testament, ex., Exodus 15:18 – The Lord will reign forever and ever. 2 Chronicles – You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you (Psalm 10:16, 22:28). He is the King of glory mentioned in the Psalms and Prophecies (Psalm 24:10, 95:3, Daniel 2:47, 4:37, 5:21). He is the King eternal, immortal, and invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). He will be seated on the throne of David, establishing it with justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7). He will rule wisely and do just and right (Jeremiah 23:5).
3. Characters of the Citizens of the Kingdom of Truth:
The Kingdom of Truth is known as the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Light, and it is an absolute theocracy and not of democracy or monarchy. There is a struggle between the kingdoms of the world and the Kingdom of God based on values. The subjects of Christ are citizens of many nations on the earth but of the other world.
Mary Fairchild says that the Kingdom of God is not primarily one of space, territory, or politics, in a national kingdom, but rather one of kingly rule, reign, and sovereign control. Here, God reigns supreme, and Jesus Christ is the King. The authority of God is recognized, valued, honored, and his will is obeyed (ref:learnreligions.com).
Kingdom of God: “…God’s present spiritual reign over His people (Colossians 1:13) and Jesus’ future reign in the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20).” (Ron Rhodes, Theology Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary). The Kingdom of God refers to "God's people in God's place under God's rule." (Graeme Goldsworthy, Old Testament scholar).
The world order of truth has the understanding of pragmatism, relativism, inclusivism, etc. The Law of Pragmatism accepts the result rather than means. If stealing or murder accomplishes your goals, then they must be ok. If it works, then do it. They call evil good and good evil.
The Law of Relativism refers to no all-encompassing truth that is the same for everyone at all times. Your truth is your truth, and my truth is my truth, even if they are opposed to each other, in a world of relativism they are equally valid. It’s OK.
The Law of Inclusivism states that all religions are equally valid. All beliefs, faiths, or religions leading at the end to the same place, and all worship the same God. No exclusiveness (ref: gccwaverly.net/ Brian Evans/The Kingdom of Truth).
But, Jesus Christ taught about the kingdom of Truth. "He that is of the truth heareth My voice." The followers of Christ are the followers of absolute Truth. Since they live in these divided kingdoms and live with the neighbors and relatives who do not believe and share the same life values, and principles.
Followers of Christ struggle to establish the absolute Truth and be the subject of Christ, their King. But Christ establishes day by day through his faithful followers the Kingdom of Truth in every sphere of life.
Today, Christ has numerous followers of Half- Truth and practice the world order of Truth as we have seen even though they call themselves followers of Christ.
T F. W. Robertson (one of the Bible teachers) says that the subjects of the Empire of Truth are expected to be true, have integrity, and doing the Truth.
Be true: Exhibit true character. The truth lies in character. Christ did not simply speak the truth: He was Truth. He expects his followers to be true and genuine in words, speech, and actions. No Hypocrisy.
Have Integrity means not simply sincerity or honesty, but entireness, wholeness, soundness. This integrity is found in small as well as big matters. We resent hypocrisy, and treachery, and calumny, not because they are untrue, but because they harm us. But we are half pleased with the false praise. Yet, a man of integrity loves Truth as Truth and hates untruth as untruth.
Do truth. Christianity has two things inseparable: acting truly and perceiving truly. It is perilous to separate feeling from acting and to separate thinking rightly from acting rightly. He is already half false who speculates on truth and does not do it. Truth is given not to be contemplated but needs to be done. Life is an action, and not a thought. (Ref: biblehub.com/F. W. Robertson, M. A, The Kingdom of the Truth).
Conclusion: Dear friends, we live in this world as citizens of various earthly kings. But we have only one King. We are ambassadors of that Truth and convey that love and grace to all. We are in the world but not of the world. Let us build the Kingdom of Truth in everyone whom we meet.
