The Righteous King
Sermon November 24, 2024, John 18:33-37: “The Righteous King”
Pastor Fred Okello
Every one of us has likely faced situations where we felt the need to defend ourselves—whether in a job interview, presenting our credentials to prove we’re the best fit, or in a moment of conflict, trying to clear our name. The world tells us we must fight, prove, and survive.
But now, in John 18:33–37, we see Jesus standing before Pilate. He does not plead or defend Himself in the manner we would expect. Instead, Jesus reveals His identity as the Righteous King, a King unlike any other the world has ever seen. He does not battle for His kingdom with weapons or politics, but with truth, love, and justice.
When Pilate questions Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus responds clearly and confidently, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
The Righteous King does not require earthly power or influence to build His kingdom. Jesus’ kingdom is based on truth and justice, not deception or conquest. Unlike worldly kings who rely on armies and political alliances, Jesus reveals a higher authority—a kingdom that is eternal rather than temporal.
As followers of Christ, we are citizens in His kingdom. Our lives should mirror the Righteous King’s ideals of humility, truth, and love. We do not need to seek external validation because our identity is safe in Him.
Jesus’ kingdom is in sharp contrast to the kingdoms of this world. Pilate, a Roman ruler who is used to the power struggles of earthly politics, is perplexed by Jesus’ calm attitude and supernatural authority.
“If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest... But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36–37).
The Righteous King does not use violence or coercion. Instead, He governs in peace, truth, and justice. His kingdom is open to anyone who seek Him and align themselves with His truth.
We are expected to live like citizens of this kingdom. This entails rejecting worldly values such as jealousy, greed, and division in favor of Christ’s kingdom principles. Let us aspire to embody the character of our Righteous King in our everyday lives.
When Jesus informs Pilate, “For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth” (John 18:37), He reveals His mission: to reconcile humanity to the truth of God's love and rightful dominion.
However, many people today have switched their focus away from the King and toward the kingdom’s messengers. Some leaders, pastors, or church denominations take the place of Christ. Others avoid worshiping altogether due to personal transgressions or church issues.
Let me remind us that the kingdom is not about the pastor, their credentials, accent, or eloquence. It is about Jesus Christ, the Righteous King.
When we let personal grudges or sectarian conflicts keep us from worshiping, we miss the point of assembling. Worship is about elevating the King, not the people.
Today, ask yourself: Am I focusing on the Righteous King or on the things of this world? Am I praising Jesus, or am I distracted by personal opinions or conflicts? True worship entails yielding to the King who reigns in justice and truth.
Jesus stands before Pilate without fear or hesitation because he understands his mission and power. He reigns with righteousness and truth and invites us to join His dominion.
To belong to His kingdom means living a truth-centered life. It is to follow the King who sacrificed His life for His people and rose to eternal glory.
If you’ve let worldly distractions or personal offenses keep you from worshiping, return to the Righteous King. If you’ve been trying to prove yourself to the world, give up the effort and rest in the knowledge that your worth is found in Christ.
Kings and leaders struggle to keep their power. But Jesus, the Righteous King, invites us to live according to a new script. He summons us to a kingdom where truth prevails, love triumphs, and our worth is secure in Him.