The Truth of Jesus’ Kingdom

Rev. Richard Mittwede, pastor at University Lutheran Church in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 18:28-40. Jesus is led from the house of Caiaphas to the headquarters of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Though the Jewish leaders have no real accusation against Jesus, they are insistent that Pilate must decide the case, which God uses to fulfill Jesus’ words concerning His death by crucifixion. As Pilate begins to question Jesus, once again the Lord ends up as the One who does the real questioning. Pilate’s concern is political, but Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world. Jesus has come to be King precisely by going to His cross. As the Jews cry for Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus, the text reveals the truth of what Jesus has come to do. He has come to take the place of sinners. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have life by faith in His name.