Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king.”
Once again we are caught up in the back-and-forth between Pilate and Jesus.
Pilate asks, “Are you the king of the Jews?
Jesus answers, “Is that your own idea?”
Pilate responds, “Am I a Jew?”
Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Pilate says, “You are a king, then!”
Jesus replies, “You say that I am a king.”
If the topic wasn’t so serious, it would almost sound like an old vaudeville act. One reason Jesus cannot come out directly and claim to be a king is that Pilate has no context for understanding what kind of king Jesus is. The word “king” does not really begin to describe the power and majesty of Jesus. If Pilate understood who Jesus was, he would not be able to proceed with the crucifixion.
Application: We live in a world that is blind to the reality of Jesus and who he is. When we testify about Jesus it helps to keep that in mind. People in the world will need help understanding who Jesus is.
Food for Thought: How would you describe the kind of king that Jesus is?
Bonus Question: Are there any other reasons why Jesus would not confirm to Pilate that his is a king?
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Jesus is the best King. He is the most powerful King. He is the kindest King. He is a good King who died for His subjects (What king does that?). He is a truly just King. He is a righteous, sinless King. He is an all-knowing King. He is a King whose presence is felt everywhere at once. He is compassionate, merciful, forgiving, etc. He is the only worthy King.
Rich,
Very nice description of the King of kings! 🙂