Mathhew 18:2-4 Phillips Jesus called a little child to his side and set him on his feet in the middle of them all. “Believe me,” he said, “unless you change your whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. It is the man who can be as humble as this little child who is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.
John 18:36 Phillips “My kingdom is not founded in this world—if it were, my servants would have fought to prevent my being handed over to the Jews. But in fact my kingdom is not founded on all this!…19:10-11 10 But Jesus gave him no reply. So Pilate said to him, “Won’t you speak to me? Don’t you realise that I have the power to set you free, and I have the power to have you crucified?” 11 “You have no power at all against me,” replied Jesus, “except what was given to you from above. And for that reason the one who handed me over to you is even more guilty than you are.” …19:14-15 Pilate said to the Jews, “Look, here’s your king!” 15a At which they yelled, “Take him away, take him away, crucify him!” 15b Am I to crucify your king? Pilate asked them. “Caesar is our king and no one else,” replied the chief priests.
Observation
Jesus preached a kingdom that was timeless and upside down from a human perspective, a kingdom not familiar to or rooted in this world (“My kingdom is not founded in this world.”). His kingdom was culturally and politically neutral, based entirely on eternal principles that are not specific to a time, place or culture, and, apparently, not so complicated to enter into as we tend to make it. “It is the man who can be as humble as this little child who is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.”
Jesus happened to walk this earth living under the influence of two powerful, oppressive and absolute governments (Romans and Sanhedrin). Resisting either had severe consequences, even death. Nonetheless, Jesus was not intimidated by the powers of this world – physical, political or spiritual. His kingdom is eternal, unlimited in power, ultimate in authority and freedom-based; theirs were temporary, subject to the power of the next conqueror, with transient authority and restrictive.
Yet, this eternal, not-of-this-world kingdom was so simple that only children could were humble enough to understand and accept it. Children are generally open, accepting and content to be cared for, nurtured, and under the protection of others. As we mature, our pride gets in the way. We become more independent (rebellious?), take on more responsibility (depend on our own strength?) and tend to base our responses on our training and past experiences (become more reactive and opinionated?). Becoming more self-sufficient is not necessary a bad thing – unless we become unwise enough to trust in the kingdoms of this world – our own wisdom, physical power, strength and abilities, secular governments, and so on. We must not forget how to be cared for, under the protection of, and submitted and committed to our God.
Impact on Me
“You can do anything you set your mind to do.” I grew up hearing this mantra. This is not a Jesus Kingdom principle and is not event true outside of His kingdom. I am to set my mind to be diligent in seeking the Kingdom of Heaven, but the strength, endurance and destination needs to be directed by and resourced in the wisdom, grace and power of the Holy Spirit. (“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”. 2 Cor 12:9-10)
So, when Jesus stood silent before Pilate, He was bringing the Kingdom to life through walking the footsteps set before Him – His suffering and death on the Cross. It is interesting for me to note that the chief priests replied, “Caesar is our king and no one else,” because they had their sights and hope on another kingdom altogether – their own. How easy it would be for me to fall into the same trap – choosing a kingdom that suited a lust for power, earthly wealth and status, personal fulfillment. I want to choose appearing weak in earthly eyes if it will make me strong in the Lord.
Devotion
Father God, the Lord of my destiny, the redeemer of my soul, I want my worship to be only of and for You. Don’t let me become mired in my own lust and greed for earthly rewards, blinded by my own wisdom, strength and planning, choosing to live in the wrong kingdom. Keep my vision clear and focused on You. Keep my feet on the path to pursue Your Kingdom alone, led by Your Holy Spirit, resourced and sustained by Your grace, humility, peace, wisdom and power for the journey. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.
Pressing On In His Footsteps 