THE CROSS OF KINGSHIP:
WHAT KIND OF KING IS THIS?
Jesus is King!
How does a man become a king?
Someone has to die! Charles III became King of England when his mother Elizabeth died. That’s the conventional method. Charles didn’t do anything special to rise to the rank of king. He was born into it. He didn’t earn it.
Another way to become king is to kill the king and take his place. This is the underlying story of The Game of Thrones. All you need is an army, power and authority, and the guts to take out the reigning king and take his throne.
How did Jesus become King? Not by inheritance. Not by conquest. Jesus became king by dying. That’s unconventional. Every other king rises because someone else dies. Jesus became king by dying. The cross became his throne. The cross is where he was crowned King of Kings! Instead of exerting his rights, Jesus gave himself up to the powers who put hm to death. Jesus gave himself up to suffering and death so that we would be set free. That’s what make Jesus the King.
The power of Jesus’ kingship is not based on the pretense of ambition; the power of Jesus’ kingship is based on the truth. When you are confronted with the truth that Jesus presents, you must decide what to do with it.
As Pontius Pilate interviews Jesus in John 18:33-38, he asks Jesus four questions about his kingship that ironically reveals the truth about King Jesus.
1. Is Jesus a King? (18:33-34)
The first question Pilate asks comes out of his curiosity. Standing before Pilate is a little man dressed in rags, looking nothing like a king. Yet has to ask, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
We can imagine the tone. Pilate knows he is not the King of the Jews. It’s more like, “You? You’re the King of the Jews?” In the Greek, the “You” is emphatic. It is as if Pilate were saying, “You, of all people?” Jesus did not have the bearing of a king. Pilate likely could not see the threat in this man.
But Jesus’ response contradicted his appearance. His words were confident and his manner kingly. Jesus replied, in effect, “Is that your idea or did someone tell you that?”
You see, the question, as Pilate posed it, was not how he would have worded it. If Pilate were asking the question, he would have said, “Are you claiming to be some kind of king challenging Rome’s authority?” But he asked a Jewish question, “Are you the Messianic King of Israel?” Pilate doesn’t care about that. But he’s in a pickle. He’s asking, “for a friend.” It’s a second-hand inquiry.
If someone tells you about a restaurant they’ve been to, they may say, “You’ve got to go to The Brass Lantern. It’s amazing. The food is so good.” But another says, “It’s overrated.” You then form your opinion on the restaurant without ever dining there. You have to go there yourself.
With Jesus, you can’t decide on him with second-hand impressions. At some point, you have to step into the question yourself. Jesus is asking Pilate to form his own opinion: Who do you think I am? Do you think I’m a King?
Pilate won’t be judged by what others say about Jesus – and neither will you.
2. What Christ’s Kingdom is Not! (18:35-36)
Pilate’s second question is a bit huffy. “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” In Pilate’s mind, this is all nonsense. It’s all part of their political-religious garbage with self-proclaimed messiahs who were nothing but dangerous terrorists. Jesus, what did you really do?
Jesus doesn’t say yet that he is a king but does mention his kingdom. His answer redefines the notion of kingship. Jesus replies, “My kingdom is not of this world.” To the 21st century science fiction nerd, Jesus sounds like an alien who came to earth for a visit. Is Jesus from outer space?
The NT writers do not use “world” in that sense. John himself makes a habit of referring to the world in different ways. In this gospel, John refers to the world as people: “For God so love the world…” And in his letters, John says, “Do not the world of the things in the world…” (1 Jn. 2:15). In this sense it means the desires, passions, and lusts that are common to this life. And in Revelation, John refers to the world as that system under Satan’s power that defies God (Rev. 11:15).
Jesus is not saying that his kingdom is absent from this world, but it doesn’t operate in the same way. He doesn’t use political devices to gain power. He doesn’t use force or coercion to enlarge his kingdom, as he said, “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews…”
The kingdom of Christ has a very different way of manifesting itself in the world. Jesus implied that the simplest act of giving a child a cup of water is a kingdom act. And when Jesus freed people who were in captivity to demonic influences, Jesus said that the kingdom of God has come upon them. As a king, Jesus conquers...by dying. Every other king wins by killing. Jesus wins by being killed.
Jesus’ kingdom is not about land or titles; it’s about his reign. Imagine visiting a business and finding a CEO who is kind and thinks about the comforts of his employees over the bottom line. Imagine that he listens, asks questions, and serves his people. That probably doesn’t sound like a good business plan in today’s market. But what a place to work!
We expect a king to conquer and take control, but Jesus is a king who gives himself – and through that self-giving he overcomes the world. Jesus’ kingdom doesn’t dominate; it transforms from the inside out. It changes you.
3. The Purpose of Christ’s “Kingship” (18:37)
With this explanation of “kingdom,” Pilate clues in and says, “So you are a king?” This is his third question.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king…” One translator put it like this: “A king? That’s your word for it, not mine.” In the entirety of the gospel, Jesus never uses that word of himself. When he fed the 5000, the people moved to make him king, but he retreated quickly. “Christ” or “Messiah” do carry that overtone. Even then it is others who use that term.
Jesus now tells Pilate what his kingdom is all about. He says, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Truth! Jesus reveals his kingship not by the typical methods of ruling, but by revealing truth.
Truth is not simply a collection of true statements. Like Spring is having a hard time emerging this year. Or highway 205 runs through Rosenort. Truth is something upon which everything in life rests; it is a foundational and life-changing reality. Truth in John’s gospel is God’s reality. Jesus’ voice is God’s voice; his words are God’s words.
We know this because, “…the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…” (John 1:14). And Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” (8:31-32). But the clincher of truth is Jesus’ witness about himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” (14:6). Jesus is the Truth. And the truth is, no one can know God unless they get to know Jesus.
Now if you know the truth, what will you do with it? The doctor tells you something unsettling: you have cancer. You can deny it…delay dealing with it…or you can accept it and act accordingly. But you can’t ignore it, and you can’t ignore Jesus either. Truth is not something we shape or change to fit our preferences. Truth…shapes…. you.
4. What is Truth? (18:38a)
Pilate’s last question is a sad one. He asks the most important question of his life – and refuses to hear the answer; he turns and walks away. “What is truth?” In his mind, all of this philosophical mumbo jumbo has nothing to do with the reality of power politics. He has to deal with some petulant Jewish leaders and this conversation hasn’t helped.
Jesus doesn’t get to answer either. Pilate wouldn’t listen anyways. Neither would the Jewish leaders. No one’s listening to the truth. They will conspire together to kill the Truth. And in killing the truth…they reveal it.
The cross was Jesus’ coronation; the cross was his throne (Acts 2:32-35). And because Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father as we speak, we know that all things are in his hands, and we can believe him because God raised him from the dead.
There are moments when words fail – and the church has borrowed from sermons of the past. Listen to how one preacher captured the glory of this King… S.M. Lockridge preached what is now one of the most famous sermons called “That’s my King.” It reminds us that if Jesus is not the divine Lord, and the very image of God, then we cannot know God. If Jesus is not the sovereign Lord who rules the universe, then we can have no confidence and security in the tough times of life.
My King was born King.
The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.
He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.
He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King.
He’s the King of righteousness.
He’s the King of the ages.
He’s the King of Heaven.
He’s the King of glory.
He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords.
Now that’s my King.
Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him?
Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King?
David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork.
My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
Well, well, He’s enduringly strong.
He’s entirely sincere.
He’s eternally steadfast.
He’s immortally graceful.
He’s imperially powerful.
He’s impartially merciful.
That’s my King.
He’s God’s Son.
He’s the sinner’s saviour.
He’s the centrepiece of civilization.
He stands alone in Himself.
He’s honest.
He’s unique.
He’s unparalleled.
He’s unprecedented.
He’s supreme.
He’s pre-eminent.
Well, He’s the grandest idea in literature.
He’s the highest personality in philosophy.
He’s the supreme problem in high criticism.
He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology.
He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion.
That’s my King.
He’s the miracle of the age.
He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves.
He’s strong God and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharged debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
That’s my King.
Do you know Him?
Well, my King is a King of knowledge.
He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance.
He’s the pathway of peace.
He’s the roadway of righteousness.
He’s the highway of holiness.
He’s the gateway of glory.
He’s the master of the mighty.
He’s the captain of the conquerors.
He’s the head of the heroes.
He’s the leader of the legislatures.
He’s the overseer of the overcomers.
He’s the governor of governors.
He’s the prince of princes.
He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords.
That’s my King.
Yes. Yes. That’s my King. My King, yes.
His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable.
That’s my King.
He’s indescribable. Yes.
He’s incomprehensible.
He’s invincible.
He’s irresistible.
I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him.
You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.
Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
That’s my King. Yes.
He always has been and He always will be.
I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor.
There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him.
You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign.
That’s my King! That’s my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.
Well, all the power belongs to my King.
We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power.
Thine is the power. Yes. And the glory.
We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His.
Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever.
How long is that?
And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.
You don’t get to admire this King from a distance. If he is the King of Truth, then this truth demands your response. And this King deserves your allegiance.
No comments:
Post a Comment