John 18:33–37 CEB

33 Pilate went back into the palace. He summoned Jesus and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others spoken to you about me?” 35 Pilate responded, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your nation and its chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom doesn’t originate from this world. If it did, my guards would fight so that I wouldn’t have been arrested by the Jewish leaders. My kingdom isn’t from here.” 37 “So you are a king?” Pilate said. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Whoever accepts the truth listens to my voice.”

Christ the Eternal King

I want you to imagine walking inside a grand palace with a jewel-adorned throne room and golden gates that radiates immense grandeur. The king sits in his perfect robe at the center, his scepter and crown radiating strength. This is the usual picture of a king—awe-inspiring, commanding, and strong.

But what if I said that the greatest King of all time did not occupy a gold throne? Instead, he wore a crown of thorns. He sacrificed His life instead of commanding troops in battle. Truth, love, and the promise of Eternal life characterize his kingdom rather than political rules or borders.

Think about this: What kind of King voluntarily trades a throne for a cross? And what sort of King rules with grace rather than fear? For every one of us, what does it mean that this King is our ruler.?

As we turn to the Bible today, we will meet the King—Jesus. We will begin with Daniel, where we picture a King whose rule will never cease. Then comes Revelation, in which Jesus declares Himself the first and last, the Alpha and the Omega. Before Pilate, Jesus also appears in John's Gospel, redefining what it means to be king.

As we work through those texts, this is the question I want you to consider: What does being a citizen of an everlasting kingdom—a kingdom not limited by time or place but one of truth, love, and endless life—mean? Our obligation as people living in this kingdom is to live by its values and share its love and grace message.

Let us begin with Daniel's dream, the Son of Man, identified as the King destined to live eternally.

In Daniel 7:13-14, we read

Daniel 7:13–14 NKJV

13 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

The Vision of the King

Before this majestic vision, Daniel sees terrifying beasts—symbols of earthly kingdoms built on violence, corruption, and power. It’s a picture of chaos. But then the scene shifts. Daniel sees someone like a “Son of Man,” a figure both human and divine, approaching the Ancient of Days—God Himself. Then suddenly, chaos transforms into peace, and hope triumphs over disorder.

What does this vision reveal about the King? There are a couple of pieces of this vision to look at. The first is that title: The Son of Man. This title is rich with meaning because it highlights both humanity and divinity. This King is one of us—He understands our struggles and joys—but He also carries the authority of God.

The second piece of this vision is the phrase: Coming with the Clouds of Heaven. Clouds symbolize God’s glory. This King’s power isn’t rooted in human plans or political force but in divine authority.

The third piece of this vision is Everlasting Dominion. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall. Leaders disappoint. But this King’s reign is eternal. It will never crumble, and it will never fail.

Jesus is the fulfillment of this vision. This vision isn’t just a prophetic dream; it’s a reality fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly called Himself the “Son of Man.” He wasn’t being vague—He was pointing directly to Daniel’s vision.

In Mark 14:62, when asked by the high priest if He was the Messiah, Jesus replied: “You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” In that moment, Jesus boldly claimed His identity as the eternal King Daniel saw centuries earlier.

After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God, fulfilling the vision of the Son of Man entering the presence of the Ancient of Days. But notice this: His kingdom wasn’t established through military conquest. It began with a cross, secured by grace.

What does this mean for us? We have a King we can trust. Earthly leaders often let us down, but Jesus' rule is stable and reliable. Even when life seems unpredictable, we can have confidence that He is in charge.

Do you trust Jesus as your King, even when life feels uncertain?

This kingdom that Daniel sees is a Kingdom for all nations. Daniel’s vision shows people from every nation worshiping this King. His kingdom isn’t exclusive—it’s for everyone.

Are you living as an ambassador of His kingdom, sharing this good news with others?

This vision is a call to worship this king. Worship isn’t just a Sunday activity; it’s a daily response to His worthiness. It’s seen in how we speak, act, and live.

Does your life reflect the glory and worthiness of Jesus?

Daniel’s vision reminds us that Christ’s kingdom is eternal and His reign unshakable. But what does the King Himself say about His kingdom?

Let’s turn to Revelation to find out.

Revelation 1:4b–8 CEB

5 and from Jesus Christ—the faithful witness, the firstborn from among the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 who made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and power forever and always. Amen. 7 Look, he is coming with the clouds! Every eye will see him, including those who pierced him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of him. This is so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is and was and is coming, the Almighty.”

The Alpha and the Omega

This passage is more than a greeting from John. It’s a thunderous proclamation of who Jesus is and the majestic reign of His kingship over us.

Let’s break it down and see what we learn about Jesus. How does this understanding of Jesus as the Alpha and Omega impact our lives and our faith?

Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus is not only the beginning and the end. Everything flows from him and is fulfilled in him. And because his omnipresence is the only place where everything begins and ends, we are safe and protected.

Who Is, Who Was, and Who Is to Come tells us that Jesus transcends time. He is eternal, unchanging—always present in our past, our present, and our future. He is the constant in a world of change.

The Faithful Witness reminds us that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection perfectly reveal the truth of who God is. He is the ultimate testimony to God’s character and love.

The Ruler of the Kings of the Earth tells us that earthly rulers come and go, no matter how powerful they seem. But Jesus reigns over them all. His authority surpasses every human throne.

So what does this mean for us today?

Hear this and remember it: We Are Loved and Freed.

Verse 5 reminds us that Jesus “loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood.” His kingship isn’t about control or domination—it’s about sacrificial love. He doesn’t just rule over us; He gave Himself for us.

Have you embraced the freedom His love offers, or are you still holding on to chains He’s already broken?

John writes that we are "kings and priests to His God and Father." Jesus doesn't just save us. He calls us to participate actively in His kingdom. We're not meant to be passive citizens, but active ambassadors called to worship and serve.

Are you living as part of His kingdom, stepping into your role to reflect His love and truth in the world?

John reminds us that we have hope in his return. Jesus is coming again, and His return will bring ultimate restoration and justice. In the storms of life, this promise is our anchor.

How does the certainty of His return shape your perspective on today’s struggles and decisions?

Picture yourself caught in the middle of a storm. The wind roars around you, the waves crash with relentless force, and the fear feels almost paralyzing. During the chaos, a strong voice says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.”

Can you feel the weight of those words? The storm may rage, but the one who speaks holds all of creation—your life, your fears, this entire world—in His hands. That’s who Jesus is: the eternal King, whose power and authority bring peace, even in the fiercest of storms.

Now let’s see how Jesus redefines what it means to be a King in John’s Gospel.

John 18:33–37 NKJV

33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

A Kingdom Not of This World

In John 18:33-37, Jesus stands before Pilate, who asks Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus’ response is profound:

“My kingdom is not of this world… The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

When Pilate questioned Jesus, he tried to size him up to determine whether Jesus was a problem for Rome. Was He a political rebel? A general inflaming a revolution? Pilate had his sights set on earthly authority and was blind to Jesus operating on a different level. Jesus didn't want to break up governments or claim territories. His kingdom was not political but spiritual, enduring, and altogether revolutionary.

And then Jesus spoke to Pilate in the most significant words: "My kingdom is not of this world." Consider that for a moment. Jesus came not to command an army or take the reigns of the government. He doesn't erect his kingdom on boundaries, politics, or intimidation. It is based on truth, love, and the redemption of lives.

And then Jesus told us why He is King: "I was born and became man in order to testify to the truth." Jesus came to teach us the truth about God and to invite us to be in that truth, even in a world that doesn't want it. His kingdom is not of this world like any other.

What does this mean for us? This Kingdom of Jesus is a kingdom beyond this earth. It is a Kingdom that rises above all of this. Jesus challenges us to be changed from what is momentary into the thing eternal. His kingdom is not wealth, fame, or strength but everlasting things such as truth, love, and human souls.

But ask yourself, are you putting your time and energy into the things that matter in eternity, or are you living for the things of this world?

Jesus' kingdom is a kingdom of truth. We are to live by His Word and to live by His life. To be in his kingdom is to allow His truth to influence what we think, say, and do.

Is the gospel of Jesus showing itself in your decisions, character, and how you treat others?

Unlike worldly kingdoms, Jesus' kingdom isn't built around tyranny or dominion. It's based on love, the kind of love that is self-giving for the sake of other people. His love is selfless, generous, and transforming. And we, as His disciples, are to incarnate that love.

How might you share His sacrifice love this week – at home, at work, in your community? Perhaps it's a compliment, a kind word, forgiveness when the going gets tough.

Jesus' kingdom is not of this world but is here—breaking into our lives and calling us to something higher. The question is, are we living as citizens of this kingdom? Will we live for what lasts forever?

Christ the Eternal King

The grandeur of Christ’s reign comes to light in Daniel’s vision, John’s revelation, and Jesus’ address to Pilate. He is not an iron-fisted king who does battle but a king who reigns with truth, love, and justice. His reign is eternal, His sovereignty unshakeable, and His kingdom accessible to all who will follow Him.

But this everlasting King also personally invites us. He doesn’t just invite us to recognize Him as King from afar; He invites us to be citizens of His kingdom here and now. His reign is not about standing on the sidelines and waiting for heaven someday but living our lives according to His truth right now.

To be a member of Christ’s kingdom is to insist on His supremacy. In an age of confusion and doubt, we have hope that Jesus reigns. His intentions are good, and His words are true. To put our faith in Him is to place our fear, anxiety, and doubt in His hands.

Ask yourself: Where in your life do you need to believe in His kingship more?

You are not meant to live passively in His kingdom; you are meant to be active. Being an active member of the his Kingdomd involves embodying the virtues of His kingdom: truth, love, mercy, and justice. What truly matters is choosing love over vengeance, forgiveness over resentment, and humility over arrogance.

Challenge yourself: What can you do to model the values of His kingdom in your own life? What exactly can you do this week to love Jesus?

It’s not just us who receive the good news of Jesus’ kingship. It is for everyone. He sends us to be his ambassadors, to proclaim His gospel, and to welcome others into His kingdom. We have the gift of pointing people to Him through our words, deeds, or simply having His light within us.

Who needs to know about Jesus? How can you purposefully show them His love?

Unlike the world’s kingdoms, Christ’s kingdom will never end. It’s not about money or military might, but timeless truth and love. As the people of this kingdom, we live in a sense of certainty that He is coming again, that His reign will be restored, and that there will be peace.

The day will come that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). That day, all world powers will be put to rest, and the kingdom of Christ will shine in all its glory. That’s the kingdom we are called to live for, now and always.

The issue is simple and profound: Will you be His citizen? Are you willing to give Him your life? Will you follow His truth and love? Do you extend His invitation to those around you?

Now is your time if you haven’t surrendered to His kingship yet. And if you have, today is the day to recommit. The life we lead is not always comfortable, but it is good.