Understanding Jesus’s Famous Words in Simple Terms
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “My kingdom is not of this world,” you might wonder what it actually means. This line comes from John 18:36 in the Bible. Jesus says this to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, during his trial before being crucified. But what was Jesus getting at? Here’s a straightforward explanation anyone can understand:
Not Your Average Kingdom
When Jesus says his kingdom isn’t of this world, he’s making it clear that he isn’t talking about running a country or leading an army. Unlike the kingdoms people were used to—where kings fought wars, ruled over lands, and cared about wealth and power—Jesus’s “kingdom” is completely different. It’s not about land or politics; it’s about something much bigger.
A Spiritual Authority
Jesus is saying that his power and leadership come from a spiritual place, not a worldly one. He isn’t trying to win elections or conquer territories. Instead, his authority comes from God and has to do with our hearts, our beliefs, and our relationship with the divine.
Staying Neutral in Worldly Conflicts
This statement also hints that those who follow Jesus shouldn’t get caught up in the same kinds of political fights or battles for power that happen in earthly kingdoms. It doesn’t mean ignoring the world entirely, but it does mean that the main focus shouldn’t be on worldly power struggles.
Truth and Righteousness Matter Most
Instead of running after power or riches, Jesus’s kingdom is all about spreading truth, doing what’s right, and serving God. His followers are encouraged to focus on living good, honest lives and caring for others, rather than trying to “win” in the world’s usual ways.
It’s Not About Ignoring the World
Some people might think Jesus was telling his followers to give up on the world or ignore their responsibilities. That’s not it. He wasn’t telling people to check out of life or stop caring about others. Rather, he was reminding them that their deepest loyalty and attention should be on spiritual things, not just physical or political ones.
A Different Kind of King
Finally, Jesus’s answer to Pilate shows he’s a totally different kind of king. Pilate was used to rulers who built their kingdoms with armies and power plays. Jesus, on the other hand, leads through love, truth, and spiritual change—not by force.
In a nutshell, when Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world,” he’s teaching that his leadership is spiritual, focused on truth and goodness, and not about earthly power or politics. It’s a reminder that what matters most goes beyond what we can see or control in the world around us.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 