THE “NOT AT ALL LIKE THIS WORLD” KINGDOM
"My kingdom is not of this world" - John 18:36. This familiar, often glossed over verse, holds profound implications that demand our careful consideration. It's a "big statement," packed with meaning that challenges our understanding of power, success, and the nature of God's kingdom.
The immediate context is Jesus's trial before Pilate. Pilate, representing the earthly kingdom of Rome – a kingdom built on force, control, and the threat of consequences – asks Jesus if he is a king. Jesus's response, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting...", reveals a fundamental difference between his kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall based on military might, political maneuvering, and economic power. Jesus's kingdom operates on entirely different principles.
It's not simply a matter of authority or who's in charge. The implications of this statement are far more expansive. Jesus's kingdom is so otherworldly that it transcends our physical senses. It's not defined by what we can see or measure. While we readily agree with Jesus in principle, we often struggle to apply this truth, consistently imposing worldly metrics onto his kingdom. We become, as Luther would say, "theologians of glory," constantly seeking tangible evidence of God's presence and activity.
Consider, for example, how we often evaluate the health or success of a church. We tend to focus on visible, quantifiable metrics: attendance numbers, budget size, program offerings. An increase in these areas is often interpreted as a sign of God's blessing, a validation of our efforts. While there's nothing inherently wrong with these things, the question remains: why do we instinctively gravitate towards visible measurements to confirm God's work? Perhaps a church experiences growth because of a pastoral change at a nearby church, or perhaps its children's programs are particularly attractive. These are not necessarily signs of God's absence, but neither are they definitive proof of his presence. They are simply explanations rooted in the world we can see and understand.
The danger lies in applying earthly definitions to a kingdom that is fundamentally different. Jesus's kingdom operates on principles that often seem paradoxical to our worldly minds. Life springs from death, righteousness comes through faith rather than works, and we trust in unseen realities and ancient promises. In this kingdom, simple elements like water, bread, wine, and the spoken word carry immense power. Power looks like weakness, victory resembles defeat, and the full realization of the kingdom's reality is reserved for the future, not fully realized in the present.
The kingdom of Jesus is not about numbers, influence, perceived greatness, or any other visible marker. These things may be present, or they may not. They may be significant, or they may be incidental. Jesus's point is that our hope should not be anchored in them.
Imagine the sheer power Jesus possessed as he stood before Pilate. He could have performed spectacular miracles, compelling everyone to acknowledge his divinity. He could have instantly transformed the political landscape. Yet, he chose not to. Why? Because his kingdom is not of this world.
Instead, his kingdom is defined by forgiveness, freedom, and faith. It's the kingdom of God, operating on principles of grace and redemption.
Pastors, take heart. Your work in shepherding and preaching is invaluable, even if it's not always easily quantifiable. The impact of your ministry may not be immediately visible, but that doesn't diminish its significance. It is part of the grand, "Big K" kingdom of Jesus, and he is guiding it according to his perfect will. Focus on preaching the Word, administering the sacraments, and extending the forgiveness and freedom that only Jesus can offer. And remember, you are loved and cherished by the King, and that is way better than any quantifiable signs of this world. Hallelujah. Amen.
