Not of This World

John 18:36

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom was from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

This verse is part of Jesus’ response when questioned by Pilate. We know how the rest of the story goes. We also know that Simon Peter did strike the high priest’s slave and was corrected by Jesus. 

I understand Simon Peter’s reaction. We often want to take matters into our own hands. After all, we know what needs to be done, and no one can do it but us … or no one can do it correctly but us. But, oh, how wrong we are. 

Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. As we say in the prayer Jesus taught us, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” For God’s will to be done, we have to seek it, but that’s often not our first response. We tend to react with worldly responses because we are, well, human. Once we have made a complete mess of things, we then cry out to God for assistance. 

Are we focused on God’s kingdom as we go throughout our day? I know that I often lose that focus. It helps me to remember that there is no one I will encounter whom God does not love. 

My maternal grandmother used to tell everyone she loved them. I used to think that she couldn’t possibly love everyone to whom she said that. Maybe she liked them or thought they were nice, but loved them? Surely not. 

I have since decided there was much wisdom in her approach. If we want God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, then we want God’s love on earth. To do that, we need to see someone God loves in everyone we encounter, and our interactions need to reflect that understanding. 

Let’s love people. Make it weird. Let’s bring part of God’s kingdom to earth.  

Let us pray:

God, help us work to bring Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, by responding to those we encounter, knowing they are beloved by You. Guide our interactions with others and keep our focus as we share Your love in the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

 

This devotional was written by Kathryn King and read by Greta Smith.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.