November 23, 2003

John 18:33-37

Pilate went back into the palace and called for Jesus. He said, "Are you the 'King of the Jews'?"

Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you this about me?"

Pilate said, "Do I look like a Jew? Your people and your high priests turned you over to me. What did you do?"

"My kingdom," said Jesus, "doesn't consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. But I'm not that kind of king, not the world's kind of king."

Then Pilate said, "So, are you a king or not?"

Jesus answered, "You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice."

[The Message]

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1. Want to be a leader? Tell the truth.

2. This is, after all, what we are born for - created for. If we are created in GOD's image, called to imitate Jesus, and taught by Holy Spirit then the wisdom of truth is inherent within us. Consider why this is so difficult for you, for us.

3. Could it be that we are so attached to what we see around us that we opt for applying worldly power to worldly power rather than the spiritual judo of alternatives and non-violence/pro-inclusion.