JOHN 18 KINGDOM FROM OUTSIDE THE WORLD

April 5

JOHN 18
33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over 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 have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose, I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
– John 18:33-40

JOHN 18 KINGDOM FROM OUTSIDE THE WORLD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews
He said that his kingdom is from outside the world
It is not driven by self-promotion and control
It is powered by unconditional love and servanthood.

Jesus was summoned Pilate’s headquarters because he was the one who represented the Roman Empire and was the judge to bring the verdict to Jesus. He couldn’t find any fault in Jesus, so he was trying to wash his hands from the responsibility of crucifying a man he can’t see a crime for. Pontius Pilate, as the Roman governor of Judea, held the authority to issue verdicts, including capital punishment, and therefore, he was the one who was to ultimately give the verdict regarding Jesus The Roman Empire’s judicial system, which Pilate oversaw, limited capital punishment to the tribunal of his position as the Roman governor. He tried to do the right thing but his hands were tied.

REFLECTION
• Share some differences of worldly kingdoms against the kingdom of God.

JOHN 18 JESUS BROUGHT TO PILATE

April 4

JOHN 18
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
– John 18:25-32

JOHN 18 JESUS BROUGHT TO PILATE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
The Jewish leaders made sure that Jesus was crucified
Their desire to hold on to their reputation was compromised
As a result of Jesus openly confronting their legalism
They cannot have someone stop them; they have to silence him
Death by crucifixion was the only way to stop Jesus
So, they brought Jesus to Pilate to make that decision.

It is so pervasive in all humans to protect one’s reputation. The motive behind the rage of the Jewish leaders was exactly this automated self-protection over their standing in the community. Before Jesus came, their laws and knowledge were their shield. They get the honor and respect of people because they draw a line between them. Their position of authority was their tool to create such fear and enslavement to the people. This way, they can retain their power and honor. When Jesus began to confront and expose their legalism, it was a big threat to their positions of authority. People will no longer look up to them if their phoniness was discovered. Their manipulation tactics will be exposed.

REFLECTION
• Why is it important for us to expose evil when we experience it?

JOHN 18 SUMMONED FOR QUESTIONING

April 3

JOHN 18
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. – John 18:19-24

JOHN 18 SUMMONED FOR QUESTIONING
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you are summoned for questioning
Do you tell the truth or are you defensive?
Are you courageous enough to speak what is true?
Or do you fear punishment and begin to lie?
When Jesus was questioned by the high priest
He spoke the truth boldly and with confidence.

In this account, we witness the first physical abuse by one of the officers standing by in front of the high priest. What an irony this was. Jesus is actually the true High Priest of God and now he is being questioned by a human high priest who doesn’t even know that he was questioning the One true God. That officer who struck Jesus for the way he answered the high priest must have so much hunger for power because Jesus only answered what is true and yet he made a big deal of Jesus’ answer. If only we humans can see how God is watching all these things going on, we would all cringe at God’s reactions. These people were hurting and questioning his Son whom he sent to save them all and this is how they treat him. Jesus calmly faced the high priest and answered his questions truthfully. Jesus’ answer won’t matter anyway because they already have made up their mind that someone must be crucified.

REFLECTION
• Share an experience when you have been summoned by authority and how you responded to it

JOHN 18 WHEN YOU DENY

April 2

JOHN 18
12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. – John 18:12-18

JOHN 18 WHEN YOU DENY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you have committed to a loving relationship
It is a two-fold promise which includes joy and hardships
You walk beside each other for worse or for better
You don’t abandon the person in times of trouble
If you leave that person, you have breached your promise
You have broken that commitment to endure with them.

Troubles and suffering usually show our true colors. Our human impulse automatically protects us from pain and hardships. In this account, we witness that fallen nature when Peter denied that he was Jesus’ disciple. Why did he deny him? It is understandable in human terms the reason for what he did. He was protecting himself from being imprisoned too like Jesus was going to be. He didn’t want to suffer and die with him and he probably was confused how his Master couldn’t save himself from the situation. At this point, he was already told by Jesus to let the will of God take place when he struck the ear of one of the servants of the high priest in the garden. He probably felt defeated that he couldn’t save his Master let alone himself from the events that would take place.

REFLECTION
• When was the last time you denied someone your love? Share its result on you.

JOHN 18 PETER’S IMPULSIVITY

April 1

JOHN 18
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”– John 18:1-11

JOHN 18 PETER’S IMPULSIVITY
John didn’t mention the agony in the garden of Gethsemane but Matthew did in chapter 26. Matthew’s account was more detailed in terms of the physical agony of Jesus in the garden, but John 17 focused more on the prayer that Jesus spoke during this time of waiting for the hour to come. This is what is amazing with the gospels because they spoke mostly about the same events but with different perspectives. Matthew, Luke, Mark’s account of this mostly focused on the physical event, but John focused more on the prayer that Jesus prayed during this time. I wonder if he was the nearest to Jesus that he heard all of his entire prayer to the Father.
This account is a picture of how Peter reacted to the arrest of his Master. We witnessed his impulsivity when he struck the high priest’s servant’s ear. We humans react to events as if we can stop it from happening. We like to take control of things that are beyond our capabilities. So, Jesus confronted Peter and remind him, that this had to happen. He had to stop his reactions because it is the will of God that he be arrested.

REFLECTION
• What do you think drove Peter to strike the right ear of Malchus?

JOHN 17 UNITY IN GOD’S KINGDOM

March 31

JOHN 17
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”-JOHN 17:20-26

JOHN 17 UNITY IN GOD’S KINGDOM
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As you receive the call of God to be part of his children
The word of the Lord will bring you to closer to heaven
The steadfast love of God will flow through you
You will begin to walk in love with your neighbors
Your old nature will be transformed to the new creation
This brings unity to you, the Father, the Spirit and the Son.

The prayer of Jesus for his people continues on as he pleads the Father to bring unity among his people. He likens it to the unity that exists between him and his Father. When there is harmony between two or more people, the relationship can thrive because of the presence of peace, love, joy. This kind of loving relationship happens only if one is anchored on the love of God. Jesus humbly asks his Father, who is the source of love to bring unity to those whom he has chosen.
Because all of God’s people still live in a corrupt and fallen world, division and conflict may be inevitable. The promise of the Spirit will bring about the work in each believer’s heart so that they can live in harmony with each other amidst the challenges of the world.

REFLECTION
• What are challenges with “unity” when you have unequally yoked relationships?

JOHN 17 PURIFY THEM BY YOUR WORD

March 30

JOHN 17
11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. – John 17:11-19

JOHN 17 PURIFY THEM BY YOUR WORD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
There is no other way to keep oneself free from evil
Only the word of truth is what will expose the devil
If you dwell and meditate on God’s word day and night
You will be purified and will discern what is not right
Those who do not receive and keep the word of God
They will be enslaved to follow the ways of the world.

Jesus continues his prayers for those who were chosen by God. He pleads with God to keep his own people pure because even though they are living in this world, they don’t really fit in it. They belong to the kingdom of God which is the total opposite of the systems of the world. The world follows the “selfish nature” where the self is the center of the universe. God’s kingdom is about “selflessness” and service. They are two opposing systems. The disciples were taught all the things that belong to God’s kingdom and it will be a challenge for them to be in the midst of worldly ways or systems. To preserve and purify them, Jesus asks God to keep them sanctified by his truth.

REFLECTION
• Why would it be hard for Christians to live holy lives if they don’t meditate on Gods’ word? What would be their challenges?

JOHN 17 JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS OWN

March 29

JOHN 17
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. – John 17:6-10

JOHN 17 JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS OWN
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you belong to Jesus’ sheepfold
Rest assured that he is praying for you
Because you kept his word and believed in him
Your old is gone since you were washed from your sins
Those who weren’t chosen by God, denied his word
Jesus didn’t pray for those who belong to this world.

This prayer of Jesus contains a hard saying to some who believes that the whole world will be saved. When Jesus intercedes only to those who belong to his Father, he was only praying for those whom his Father chose. Many false religions and teachings think that the whole world is saved but some bible verses disagree with that notion such as these:
• Ephesians 1:4 -Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
• 1 Peter 1:20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you
• 2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.
These verses show us that God knows all his elect even before he created the world. Some religions teach that we choose God, but clearly it is His choice, not ours.

REFLECTION
• What verses in the bible says that Jesus died only for some people and not all?

JOHN 17 CHRIST’S OBEDIENCE GLORIFIED GOD

March 28

JOHN 17
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. – John 17:1-5

JOHN 17 CHRIST’S OBEDIENCE GLORIFIED GOD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When Jesus’ time was nearing, he prayed to his Father
He wanted to make sure that he is giving him all the glory
He revealed to his disciples the reason for his coming
It was to give eternal life to all whom God has chosen
The disciples were to know only the One true God
They were also to glorify him, since he is the Only Son.

In this account, we hear Jesus explaining the purpose of his coming on earth, that is to glorify his Father. Now that his hour is coming, he tells them that as he finishes his work for the Father, he is glorifying him and the Father will glorify him back. The work that Jesus did was to die on the cross and when he did, it will be his way back to go to sit besides his Father on his right hand. Barclay’s study bible asks How did the Cross glorify God? It’s response is “The only way to glorify God is to obey him. A child brings honour to his parents when he brings them obedience. A citizen brings honour to his country when he obeys it. A scholar brings honour to his teacher when he obeys his master’s teaching. Jesus brought glory and honour to God by his perfect obedience to him. The gospel story makes it quite clear that Jesus could have escaped the Cross. Humanly speaking, he could have turned back and need never have gone to Jerusalem. As we look at Jesus in the last days, we are bound to say: “See how he loved God! See to what lengths his obedience would go!” He glorified God on the Cross by rendering the perfect obedience of perfect love.”

REFLECTION
• Why do you think obedience is the best expression of worship?

JOHN 16 THE UPSIDE OF SUFFERING AND TRIALS

March 27

JOHN 16
25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:25-33

JOHN 16 THE UPSIDE OF SUFFERING AND TRIALS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Do you wonder why there is so much trouble in life?
Why do we have to suffer, be distressed and face trials?
Count it all joy when you have trials of every kind
For it produces steadfastness and endurance
Suffering is a training ground for growing your faith
Without it, you will not develop resilience and strength.

Jesus’ last words to his disciples prepared them for the coming life ahead when Jesus leaves them to offer his life for the salvation of mankind. Earlier, Jesus was talking in figures of speech, but in this account, he was plainly saying that he is leaving them to be joined to the Father. After his death, he cautioned them that when the hour has come for him to die, they will be facing much trouble. When they are in trouble, they may be challenged to continue to be faithful to their loyalty to him because there will be a lot of resistance against the truth that they have learned from Jesus. He prepared them for a life of suffering, misery and pain. They have to expect it and remember all his teachings.

REFLECTION
• How come many of us have trouble accepting that suffering can be good for us?