When Jesus was brought before Pilate, the first question from the Roman governor to Him was, “Are You the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33). Jesus would affirm that He was a king, but He explained that His kingdom was different from what many would have expected.
Rather than being king over an earthly kingdom, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). If it was, Jesus explained that His servants would be fighting to free Him. But since His was a spiritual kingdom, He did not need to resort to physical violence to defend Himself or establish His kingdom.
Pilate wanted to confirm that he heard Jesus correctly: “So You are a king?” Jesus explained further, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37).
Jesus’ kingdom was spiritual (“not of this world”) and it would be founded upon truth. Therefore, those who would be part of His kingdom would have to accept the authority of Jesus and recognize that His word is truth. Doing these things would then necessarily require them to obey Him in all things.
So remember that Jesus is king. He has authority over us and we have a responsibility to do as He commands. Let us follow the truth of His word and submit to His will in everything that we do.