Study Guide

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The Gospel of John

My Kingdom is Not of This World Scripture: Read through John 18:28 – 40 as a group. Introduction: In a darkened courtyard, the Light of the world is on trial. Fiery torches cast giant shadows of men surrounding the Word made flesh. The Roman Empire confronts the King of kings. The Jewish leaders, for their part, dare not defile themselves so that they will be pure to celebrate the Passover meal. Yet they don’t realize that the true Passover Lamb is about to be sacrificed. How did we arrive at this pivotal drama in Jesus’ life and mission? Jesus answers this question when he responds to Pilate, “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.” Jesus makes it clear that his kingdom is not about political power or military might; it is not about oppression or violence. Instead, Jesus describes a kingdom in which the Lord of the universe was born a baby and lived in this broken world “to bear witness to the truth.” Jesus came to establish the kingdom of God on earth, sacrificing himself to offer forgiveness and salvation for all people, and bringing peace and restoration to the world. When Jesus says, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice,” the big picture Jesus painted of the kingdom of God becomes personal for Pilate: Will you listen to my voice? Even you, with all your worldly power, will have to choose whether you are for me or against me. Pilate clearly recognizes that his power and position in the world are not threatened by this man. He reports to the Jews that he finds no guilt in Jesus. But before delivering this verdict, he responds to something Jesus’ words have stirred within him: “What is truth?” Pilate has found no guilt in this man, but he has perhaps just begun to grapple with the Truth he has perceived in Jesus. This dramatic scene between Pilate and Jesus becomes personal for us as well when we realize that each of us must grapple with the truth of Jesus. He claims that his kingly authority does not have its source in this world, but that his power comes from God the Father. Jesus’ purpose is to make the truth of God known to the world. In his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made a way for us to personally know the forgiveness and salvation of God. Have you listened to his voice?

Reflection: Take personal inventory of your life, heart, and spiritual journey. Use these prompts / questions as a way to prepare for group discussions – or – for personal times of prayer. 1. What questions do you have about who Jesus is and what his sacrifice means for you personally? 2. What is the ultimate difference between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of God? Discuss: 1. What about the sermon stood out or impacted you the most? Do you have any follow up questions about the sermon? 2. List the ways this scene contrasts the world and the kingdom of God (for example, political power/spiritual power). Discuss how these contrasts help to convey the meaning of this passage. 3. What is Passover, and in what way is Jesus the Passover Lamb? (Exodus 12:1-15; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19) 4. Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem a few days before he was arrested and put to death. What connections do you see between that event (Matthew 21:1-11 or Luke 19:28-38) and this passage? 5. “Wherever the gospel is preached, the question of the meaning of the human story – the universal story and the personal story of each human being – is posed. Thereafter the situation can never be the same… Now decisions have to be made for or against Christ, for Christ as the clue to history or for some other clue.” (Newbigin) How does the gospel, the truth of Jesus Christ, answer the question of the meaning of the human story? Apply:

Many people in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and other spheres of influence may be searching for meaning and truth in their lives. Think about how you can use information and insights from the sermon and discussion of this passage to help you communicate and live out the truth of the gospel in your relationships.