Understanding Jesus’s Message in Simple Terms
What Did Jesus Mean by “My Kingdom Is Not of This World”?
Have you ever wondered what Jesus was getting at when He said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)? It might sound mysterious, but Jesus was giving us a powerful lesson about what He came to do—and what kind of kingdom He leads. Let’s break it down in everyday language.
Jesus’s Kingdom Is Different from Earthly Kingdoms
When we hear the word “kingdom,” we might think of kings and queens, castles, soldiers, and countries fighting for power. But Jesus wasn’t talking about that kind of kingdom. He meant something much bigger—a kingdom that isn’t about land, flags, or who’s in charge here on earth.
Instead, Jesus’s kingdom is spiritual. It’s about God ruling in our hearts. It’s a kingdom where love, kindness, and fairness are what matter most—not armies or political power.
The Setting: Jesus Before Pilate
To understand why Jesus said these words, let’s remember the story. Jesus had been arrested and was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate was trying to figure out if Jesus was a threat to Rome. If Jesus was claiming to be a king like other kings, Pilate would have to stop Him. But Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest… But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36)
Jesus was telling Pilate—and us—that His mission wasn’t about taking over governments or using force. His authority comes from God, and His mission is to bring truth, healing, and hope, not to rule with violence.
What Makes Jesus’s Kingdom Special?
In Jesus’s kingdom, the most important things are love, mercy, and doing what’s right. Jesus spent His life helping people who were left out, forgiving those who had messed up, and showing kindness even to His enemies. In His kingdom, the greatest people are those who help and serve others—not those who seek power or want to be first.
Jesus doesn’t force anyone to follow Him. He invites us to choose His way because of love. His leadership changes our hearts, not just rules or laws.
Earthly Kingdoms vs. Jesus’s Kingdom
Earthly kingdoms often use power, control, or even violence to keep order. History is full of leaders who ruled harshly. Jesus turns this idea upside down. In His kingdom, forgiveness is stronger than force, and taking care of those who are hurting is more important than winning or being the best.
Jesus teaches us to love even those who are hard to love and to put others first. In His kingdom, everyone is welcome—no matter what their background or past mistakes look like.
Is Jesus’s Kingdom Here Now or in the Future?
Jesus’s kingdom isn’t just something we hope for in the future—it’s something we can live out right now. Every time we choose kindness over anger, truth over lies, or mercy over judgment, we’re living as citizens of His kingdom today. God’s loving rule starts in our hearts and spreads to our families, friends, and communities.
At the same time, the Bible tells us that one day, Jesus’s kingdom will fill the whole world. Everything wrong will be made right, and God’s love and justice will be everywhere. Until then, we’re invited to help build this kingdom one small act of love at a time.
How Should We Live as Part of Jesus’s Kingdom?
What does this mean for our daily lives? Jesus invites us to make God’s kingdom our top priority—not money, popularity, or even our country. Our first loyalty is to Jesus’s way: showing love, mercy, fairness, and truth.
This doesn’t mean we can’t care about our neighborhoods or nations. It means we should live differently—seeking peace, showing compassion, and treating everyone as valuable in God’s eyes. In a world often divided by politics, status, or race, Jesus’s kingdom brings people together as one big family.
Conclusion: Living by Kingdom Values
When Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” He was reminding us to focus on what lasts forever—God’s love and truth. His way isn’t about power or fighting; it’s about love that changes lives and communities.
As followers of Jesus, we can be proud of where we live, but our greatest loyalty should be to God’s kingdom and to treating everyone with respect and kindness. We should be careful not to mix up our faith with politics or national pride. We belong to a global family that follows Jesus, whose values challenge us to live with love, justice, and mercy toward all people.
A Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to show us a better way—a kingdom built on love, mercy, and truth. Help us to make Your kingdom our first priority in everything we do. Give us courage to show kindness, to forgive, and to seek justice in our everyday lives. Teach us to love others as You love us and to live as true citizens of Your kingdom. May Your love grow in our hearts and spread to everyone around us. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 