Jn 18:33-37
Throughout his Gospel, John portrays Jesus as being in charge of every situation. He is fully aware of what is going to happen to him, and he takes the initiative in the events which lead to his death. During his trial before Pilate, the Roman governor asks Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (v 33). Jesus, fully in charge, does not answer the question, but poses one of his own to Pilate, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” (v 34).
While Jesus is ironically accused by Pilate to be a king, the fact of the matter is that he is king.
Again, Pilate poses a question to Jesus: “What have you done?” (v 35). Jesus does not answer but, rather, describes the origin, quality, and meaning of his kingship.
First, Jesus states, “My kingdom is not of this world” (v 36). In other words, Jesus’ kingdom is not earthly. If it were, his attendants would be fighting to keep him from being handed over. But as it is, his kingdom is not here.
Second, Jesus expresses the quality of his kingship: “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth” (v 37). Jesus reveals the truth about God in his own person, in his words, and in his actions.
Third, Jesus’ kingship means that everyone who is of the truth hears his voice (cf v 37). They accept him as king of their lives. Jesus is the real king, whose power comes from above and is exercised over Pilate even as he proceeds to put Jesus to death. No human authority has any real power over the king of the Jews.