In, But Not Of This World 
 
 John 18:36-37: Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, 
my attendants (would) be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." 
 
 
 So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king.  For this I was born and for this
 I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." 
 
All the turmoil in the Middle East is essentially a battle over the Holy Land. Because of John 18:36, Christians fight much
 less passionately about control of the turf than Jews and Moslems do. The Kingdom of God, according to most Christians,
 is not limited to the small parcel of ground that is now Israel / Palestine.  Jesus surrendered his very life knowing that his death 
would open the door to the greater kingdom to all believers; Jew, Gentile or Greek.  I personally struggle with the perspective 
of some Christians who believe that Israel must exist as a nation, in the secular world, for the Gospel to be true.  If Jesus were sent
 to earth to restore Israel as a nation, rather than establish the heavenly kingdom, did he not fail in his first attempt? Or does that 
imply that Jesus was not the Messiah at all? How can Christians who truly believe in the Gospel somehow diminish Christ’s life, 
death and resurrection as an incomplete task that must be completed by a war among humans? 
 
 
 Jesus claims his purpose in coming into the world is to testify to the truth. His truth is all about love for God and one another,
 and never established any earthly person, place, or thing as critical for fulfilling that purpose. If we belong to his kingdom, we will
 also end our quest for wealth and power, and seek the truth. Jesus said “I am the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
 
  
 Dear Jesus, today we remember your suffering and death, but are blessed in knowing that Easter follows. Forgive our sins, 
and restore us that we might be worthy of the kingdom you died to establish. Amen.
 
  
 Susan Ardito