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.”

John 18:36 (NKJV)

 

Jesus lived during one of history's most politically charged periods.

Israel was under foreign occupation for a long time, and the country was rife with politico-religious extremists who committed acts of terror and violence against their unwelcome rulers. The ongoing political conflicts and historical tensions fostered a culture of fear and distrust, so it is not surprising that both Jewish and Roman authorities saw Jesus as a religious and political threat.

Standing before Pontius Pilate, Jesus explained that His kingdom was neither physical nor political. If that were the case, his followers would fight for his freedom. Though His Kingdom is not political, it does have something to say about politics. According to the Book of Revelation, all kingdoms will eventually bow before His Lordship and become His (Revelation 11:15). Until then, the church continues to preach the gospel, and believers do their part to build a civil and just society (see Romans 13:1-3; 1 Peter 2:14).

As believers, we cannot expect the government to solve all our human problems. While a government can enact legislation to protect rights and dignity, there is no guarantee that it will always be at the forefront of justice, peace, and equal opportunity. In short, no government can save us.

Our salvation comes from God through Jesus Christ.

We are thankful that Christ has given us an unshakeable kingdom (see Hebrews 12:28). This kingdom is within you (Luke 16:21), so you do not need to pray for it to come to you. What matters now is that you are expanding this Kingdom reality so that everyone can fully taste God's grace.