November 18, 2009

Commentary

Christ the King
John 18:33b-37

Truth and Love- the Qualities of the King and His People

It is quite clear in Jesus' response to Pilate's interrogation that Jesus' Kingdom is in the world, but not of the world: "My kingdom does not belong to this world." He does not deny his kingship, but he adds, "as it is, my kingdom is not here."

As it is, the kingdom is not here. So, what conditions must there be for Jesus' kingdom to be among us?

The answer is given in the mission that Jesus identifies himself with. "For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth."

And Jesus gives us the truth at another place in John's gospel, "God so loves the world that he gave his only Son" (John 3:16). The truth is "God is love." (1 John 4:8, 16) [1]

That truth reaches its climax on the cross, when Jesus gives his life out of love. [2]

And citizenship in the Kingdom Jesus established on the cross is for "Everyone who belongs to the truth" -- the truth of love.

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[1] Francis J Moloney, SDB. This is the Gospel of the Lord: Year B. Homebush, NSW, Australia: St. Paul, 1993, p. 203.
[2] Ibid.

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