Witnessing to a Kingdom Not of This World

Witnessing to a Kingdom Not of This World

Jn 18: 33 – 37

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

King of the Universe

Introduction

Our Gospel reading is about Jesus who was brought before Pilate. There, Pilate interrogates Jesus, asking him if he was a King.

The Gospel

Our Gospel narrates to us a time when Jesus stood before Pilate. Pilate, a Roman citizen himself, was then the governor of Judea. Jesus was brought before Pilate by the Sanhedrin (or the Council of Jews) who sentenced Jesus to death for blasphemy.

Since the Sanhedrin had no power to put anyone to death, they handed over the matter regarding Jesus’ death to Pilate who alone had the authority to put anyone to death under Roman laws. Pilate himself tells Jesus how his own countrymen handed him over, saying: “ Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. “

Presumably, the Sanhedrin would have briefed Pilate regarding their accusations on Jesus even before meeting Jesus. The briefing must have intrigued the Roman governor, particularly on the matter of Jesus’ kingship.  This is perhaps why, at the beginning of Pilate’s encounter with Jesus, he asks this question: “ Are you the King of the Jews?”

Jesus, knew that Pilate’s question regarding his kingship was borne out of Pilate’s conversations with the council. This is why Jesus asks Pilate: “ Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?”

Jesus’ question was pointed. Here was a Roman governor who by himself had so much authority and had no need of anyone’s opinion. Yet, his question about Jesus’ kingship portrays his dependence on what other people have told him, showing the people’s influence on him and his reliance on their views and opinions.

Notwithstanding this, Jesus answers Pilate and reveals to him the nature of his kingship, saying: “ My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here. “

From Jesus’ own answer, Pilate then concludes: “ Then you are a king?”

Jesus then replies: “ You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. “

Reflection

The reading, if taken within the context of the passion narrative gains greater depth and meaning. The gospel of John notes that during the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin, a temple guard slaps Jesus in the face.

In the other gospel accounts, Jesus was beaten, spit upon and mocked after the Sanhedrin sentenced him to die.  Jesus was then sent bound to Caiaphas the high priest. There, Jesus spent the night imprisoned. When morning came, Jesus must have looked weakened and exhausted.

Given this background, one wonders how Pilate would have mistaken Jesus to be a king. Jesus would have appeared to him with no apparent trace of royalty after being maltreated, physically abused and looking helpless. Yet Pilate asks him: “ Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus’ answer was straight and simple: “ My kingdom does not belong to this world. “

Jesus says it rightly. His kingdom is not of this world. We never should associate Jesus with the kind of power and authority that earthly kings have over their subjects and kingdoms.  While the kings and rulers of this world rule with unbridled and absolute power, Jesus does not reign with the power that we normally associate with the high and mighty.

As we have seen in the gospel, Jesus comes as one who isn’t even able to fend off the insults and physical abuses that were heaped on him. He remained silent even when accused wrongfully of blasphemy. He allowed himself to be taken prisoner, tied up, interrogated and shamed. He allowed himself to appear as a weakened and helpless man, offering only to tell the truth about who he is so that those who truly sought the truth may listen to his voice.

In a world thirsty for power and authority, Jesus’ meek and humble disposition speaks of a different kind of power and authority; a different kind of power that is gentle and meek but uncompromisingly truthful. It is this kind of power that opens one to be insulted, harassed and violated but never compromised in what is truthful.  

This gospel episode tells us that when confronted by the world and its values, we need only to stand firm to the truth like Jesus. And when we are provoked and need to respond to the evil that is around us, we need only to look at Jesus, the king whose kingdom is not of this world, who showed only meekness and gentleness when he was wronged, but spoke out his truth fearlessly.

Let us ask the grace to remain humble in the face of provocations and adversities. Like Jesus, let us bear witness always to what is true even in difficult times.    

Prayer

Dear Lord, I can’t imagine myself behaving the way you behaved before Pilate. You were kind and gentle despite an unkind and provocative environment. You spoke your truth clearly yet never forced anyone to listen and believe in you. May I learn to act this way so I may witness to that kingdom that is not of this world.  Amen.

“For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. “  - Zephaniah 3: 12 – 13

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