Understanding the True Nature of Jesus' Kingdom

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 18, verses 36 and 37, Jesus declares, "My kingdom is not of this world." This statement, made during His trial before Pilate, encapsulates the profound misunderstanding that humanity has about Jesus and His mission. Jesus came into a world riddled with sin, suffering, and confusion, not merely to visit or instruct, but to bring salvation and deliverance. Despite His divine purpose, He was met with rejection, misunderstanding, and hostility. The tragedy of humanity is vividly illustrated in the choice of Barabbas over Jesus, a decision that epitomizes the world's rejection of divine truth.

The core issue lies in humanity's failure to truly listen to Jesus. Many hear His words but do not comprehend their depth, often because of preconceived notions about what the Messiah should be. The Jews of Jesus' time expected a political liberator, a king who would overthrow Roman rule. Instead, Jesus presented a kingdom that was spiritual, not political, and a kingship that was humble, not grandiose. This misunderstanding persists today, as many still fail to grasp the true nature of Jesus' kingdom.

Jesus' kingdom is not visible or earthly; it is a spiritual realm that exists within the hearts and minds of those who accept His truth. His teachings focus not on political or social reform but on the transformation of the individual soul. The essence of His message is reconciliation with God, a truth that remains relevant regardless of the world's political landscape. Jesus' kingdom is about truth, the truth of our estrangement from God and the path to reconciliation through Him.

The world often misinterprets Jesus' mission, expecting Him to address political issues or social injustices directly. However, His focus is on the eternal, not the temporal. The ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom will come when He returns, not as a humble carpenter, but as the King of glory, to establish a new heaven and earth. Until then, wars and conflicts will persist, but the true peace and resolution of humanity's deepest problems lie in the spiritual transformation that Jesus offers.

Key Takeaways:

- The Misunderstanding of Jesus' Kingdom: Humanity often misinterprets Jesus' mission, expecting a political or social liberator. However, His kingdom is spiritual, focusing on the transformation of the soul and reconciliation with God. This misunderstanding is a central tragedy of human history. [06:12]

- Listening vs. Hearing: Many hear Jesus' words but fail to truly listen and understand. Preconceived notions and expectations about the Messiah prevent people from grasping the depth of His message. True listening requires openness to divine truth. [08:33]

- The Nature of Jesus' Kingdom: Jesus' kingdom is not of this world; it is unseen and spiritual. It exists within the hearts of those who accept His truth. This kingdom is not concerned with earthly power or politics but with eternal truths and salvation. [28:42]

- The Truth of Jesus' Message: Jesus came to bear witness to the truth, focusing on humanity's estrangement from God and the path to reconciliation. His message is not about political reform but about spiritual transformation and eternal life. [41:10]

- The Future Fulfillment of Jesus' Kingdom: While Jesus' kingdom is currently spiritual, a day will come when it will be fully realized on earth. Jesus will return as the King of glory, establishing a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells. [49:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to John 18:36-37
- [01:20] - The Tragedy of Humanity's Rejection
- [03:02] - Jesus' Purpose and Mission
- [04:44] - Humanity's Response to Jesus
- [06:12] - The Problem of Misunderstanding
- [08:15] - Listening vs. Hearing
- [10:35] - Confusion About Jesus' Identity
- [13:59] - The Nature of Jesus' Kingship
- [20:52] - The Spiritual Kingdom
- [28:42] - What Jesus' Kingdom Is Not
- [34:02] - The Essence of Jesus' Kingdom
- [41:10] - The Truth of Jesus' Message
- [49:16] - The Future Fulfillment of the Kingdom
- [52:18] - Conclusion and Call to Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 18:36-37

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "My kingdom is not of this world"? How does this statement reflect the nature of His mission? [00:36]

2. How does the choice of Barabbas over Jesus illustrate humanity's misunderstanding of Jesus' mission? [05:47]

3. What were the preconceived notions of the Jews regarding the Messiah, and how did these affect their ability to truly listen to Jesus? [09:43]

4. How does Jesus describe the nature of His kingdom in His conversation with Pilate? [20:14]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom as a political entity rather than a spiritual one continue to affect people's perception of Christianity today? [28:13]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true listening to Jesus' message requires openness to divine truth? How might preconceived notions hinder this process? [08:33]

3. How does the sermon describe the spiritual transformation that Jesus offers, and why is this more significant than political or social reform? [41:10]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the future fulfillment of Jesus' kingdom, and how should this influence a believer's perspective on current world events? [49:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of Jesus' kingdom. Have you ever expected Jesus to address political or social issues in a way that aligns with your personal views? How can you align your expectations with the spiritual nature of His kingdom? [34:02]

2. Consider a time when you heard Jesus' words but failed to truly listen. What preconceived notions might have prevented you from understanding His message? How can you cultivate a more open heart to divine truth? [08:33]

3. How does the spiritual transformation that Jesus offers challenge your current lifestyle or priorities? What steps can you take to focus more on eternal truths and reconciliation with God? [41:10]

4. In what ways can you actively participate in the spiritual kingdom of Jesus in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to embody the values of His kingdom. [40:16]

5. How does the promise of Jesus' future return as the King of glory impact your view of current global conflicts and personal struggles? How can this perspective bring peace and hope to your life? [49:16]

6. Think of a situation where you might have misunderstood Jesus' mission or message. How can you seek clarity and understanding through prayer or study of the Scriptures? [09:43]

7. Identify one area in your life where you can practice true listening, not just hearing. How can this improve your relationship with God and others? [08:33]

Devotional

Day 1: The Spiritual Nature of Jesus' Kingdom
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world; it is a spiritual realm that exists within the hearts and minds of those who accept His truth. Unlike earthly kingdoms, which are often defined by power, politics, and borders, Jesus' kingdom transcends these temporal concerns. It is a kingdom that focuses on the transformation of the individual soul and reconciliation with God. This spiritual kingdom is not concerned with earthly power or politics but with eternal truths and salvation. The misunderstanding of Jesus' mission as a political liberator is a central tragedy of human history, as many fail to grasp the true nature of His kingdom. [06:12]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been seeking earthly solutions to spiritual problems? How can you begin to focus on the spiritual transformation that Jesus offers today?


Day 2: Truly Listening to Jesus
Many hear Jesus' words but fail to truly listen and understand. This is often due to preconceived notions and expectations about what the Messiah should be. The Jews of Jesus' time expected a political liberator, a king who would overthrow Roman rule. Instead, Jesus presented a kingdom that was spiritual, not political, and a kingship that was humble, not grandiose. True listening requires openness to divine truth, setting aside our own expectations and being willing to embrace the depth of Jesus' message. [08:33]

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." (Proverbs 1:5, ESV)

Reflection: What preconceived notions might be preventing you from truly listening to Jesus' words? How can you cultivate a heart that is open to His divine truth today?


Day 3: The Essence of Jesus' Message
Jesus came to bear witness to the truth, focusing on humanity's estrangement from God and the path to reconciliation. His message is not about political reform but about spiritual transformation and eternal life. The world often misinterprets Jesus' mission, expecting Him to address political issues or social injustices directly. However, His focus is on the eternal, not the temporal. The essence of His message is reconciliation with God, a truth that remains relevant regardless of the world's political landscape. [41:10]

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)

Reflection: How have you been seeking reconciliation with God in your daily life? What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Him?


Day 4: The Misunderstanding of Jesus' Kingdom
Humanity often misinterprets Jesus' mission, expecting a political or social liberator. However, His kingdom is spiritual, focusing on the transformation of the soul and reconciliation with God. This misunderstanding is a central tragedy of human history, as many fail to grasp the true nature of Jesus' kingdom. The choice of Barabbas over Jesus during His trial epitomizes the world's rejection of divine truth. [06:12]

"Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.'" (John 18:36, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been looking for Jesus to fulfill earthly expectations? How can you align your understanding with the spiritual nature of His kingdom today?


Day 5: The Future Fulfillment of Jesus' Kingdom
While Jesus' kingdom is currently spiritual, a day will come when it will be fully realized on earth. Jesus will return as the King of glory, establishing a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells. Until then, wars and conflicts will persist, but the true peace and resolution of humanity's deepest problems lie in the spiritual transformation that Jesus offers. The ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom will come when He returns, not as a humble carpenter, but as the King of glory. [49:16]

"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of Jesus' return and the future fulfillment of His kingdom impact your daily life? What can you do today to prepare for His coming kingdom?

Quotes

"Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.' Pilate therefore said unto Him, 'Art thou a king then?' Jesus answered, 'Thou sayst that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.'" [00:22:35]

"Here is the position here is the Son of God in the world has come down from hidden into this world of time he came down because of the world's troubles, because the world was then as it is now a place of troubles and trials and problems and tribulations a place of sin and then happiness and wretchedness he came into it because it was like that he says so quite definitely many times over." [00:171:94]

"The human race to which he came instead of thanking God that he'd come instead of sitting at his feet and drinking in his message and accepting it and yielding and submitting themselves to him that he might deliver them and lead them out of it all instead of that the record of the four Gospels is a constant record of people being stumbled by him questioning him arguing with him trying to trick him and trap him in his conversation." [00:289:22]

"They treated our Lord like this simply because they really did not listen to him they heard his words but they didn't listen now there's all the difference in the world between hearing a man speaking and rarely listening to what he's saying that can be proved very simply like this seated in the congregation are a number of people one person speaks to one their speech is the word of life to the other its of rubbish and nonsense they were both hearing the same words you see but there's obviously a difference in the here in the listening isn't there." [00:505:28]

"The Jews had got very clear and definite ideas of their own as to what the Messiah was going to be like and what he was going to do when he came and the whole trouble was this that our Lord didn't conform to their ideas he didn't fit into their pattern he didn't tell him with their anticipation and because he didn't do that they really never listened to him at all they were impatient with him from the very beginning they were full of these criticisms and in the end I say they turned about they turned against him and finally rejected him and crucified him." [00:580:20]

"His kingdom is an unseen Kingdom it's a spiritual Kingdom it is not of this world, it's something that exists in the hearts of men and in the minds of men and in the souls of men what are the citizens of his kingdom like here he puts it at the end of this 37 everyone that is of the truth here is my vice that's his kingdom that's the realm of his interest the citizens of his kingdom and are those who belong to nations as such they're those who having heard his word have recognized it as the Word of God the word of salvation the word of deliverance they've believed it they've submitted themselves unto it they've gone after him his kingdom is a kingdom of truth." [00:2410:34]

"His kingdom is unlike earthly kingdoms in that it is not concerned about the kind of thing that earthly kingdoms are concerned about now then here is the very essence of the modern difficulty the Jews always wanted our Lord to deliver them from the Roman Empire before our Lord came into this world the Roman Empire had conquered Palestine and the Jews that was why Pilate was there he was the representative of the Roman Emperor in the Roman power now then the Jews of course didn't like that they've got a nationalistic spirit and they thought that when the great Messiah came he would come as a great warrior HEDIS form a great army he'd lead them against the Romans and with his power he conquer the Romans he didn't dismiss them from the country he chopped up the Jews he'd elevate them to the highest position and indeed he might end as a great world conqueror." [00:2042:85]

"Jesus began to preach and to say that he was the Messiah and the King and that he'd come to found the kingdom they said well no then when you're going to do this their ideas were political and they were military and they were always waiting for him to speak in that way but he wouldn't do it do you remember how we are told in the sixth chapter of this Gospel according to Saint John that on one occasion they tried to take him by force to make him a king and he fled away from them up on top of the mountain." [00:2103:60]

"His kingdom is not great in an earthly since there is no pomp and show with respect to it now he put this very plainly on one occasion so I'm going to read you to the verses in which it's recorded in the 20th chapter of the Gospel according to st. Matthew verses 25 to 28 listen to this he'd said this to them and he said it many times and he emphasized it Jesus called them his own disciples who were muddled at this point he called them unto Him and said you know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them and they that are great exercise authority upon them but it shall not be so among you but whosoever will be great among you let him be your Minister and whosoever will be chief among you let him be as your servant even as the son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many." [00:1825:17]

"His kingdom is not of this world and then to make sure that they've got it that he's got it this time he says it again but now is my kingdom not from hence not from the world now this again is of vital importance because there are a number of people in the modern world who are perfectly right on the first point I've been making but who seemed to go tragically wrong about this one and you see if we go wrong about him and he's teaching at any point we shall never know his salvation we've got to accept him as he years and in his entirety so we must be perfectly clear about the character the nature of his kingdom and therefore we must first realize what it is not." [00:1670:34]

"His kingdom is not a visible kingdom it isn't an external kingdom he said himself the kingdom of God cometh not with observation enough taking them you can see the Kingdom of Great Britain for instance it's visible it's obvious it has its limits it can be defined we know all about it it can be seen it cometh with observation it can be observed and examined he says his kingdom isn't like that it's quite different now you see that's where they went wrong they would persist in estimating what he said in terms of their visible external kingdoms and because his didn't correspond to that this is no Kingdom in the same way." [00:1781:95]

"His kingdom is a kingdom of truth though this end he says was I born and for this cause came I into the world that I should witness unto the truth what is the truth is this it that if only Great Britain disarmed today and never fought in another battle that the world would suddenly stop fighting there'd never be another war and everything would be absolutely perfect you know there are people who are preaching that that is the gospel that all we've got to do is to disarm and to let people come and shoot us and shoot anybody and do anything they like to any and when people see our action they'll say isn't this marvelous isn't it wonderful and they'll destroy all their chariots their cannons and all their tanks and all their bombs and where do you find that in the Gospels where do you find that anywhere in the Bible my dear friends that isn't the truth our Lord spoke about this is truth it isn't my opinion it's what he said listen he said I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the father but by me that's the truth the truth you see is about the father and about men who's estranged from the father and about the only way in which men can get back to the Father that's what he talks about." [00:2460:44]

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Transcript
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