THE TRIAL OF JESUS PLACES ALL THE WORLD ON TRIAL - 'TWAS NOT HIS GUILT, BUT ALL MANKIND SHOWN

1. A midnight arrest, shouting arraignment, daylight official trial, now early to Pilate- death
2. The Jewish Sanhedrin had Religious authority- but they wanted political power to put to death
3. So with trumped up Political charges, they used Roman Politics to accomplish their means- to fight a spiritual battle against their Messiah - Earthly & Heavenly causes clash!

1.- EVERY MAN'S QUESTION- "ART THOU THE KING?" 28-33

From the house of Caiaphas the Roman guard followed the Jewish leaders back to Antonia- Pilate

A.- THE SPIRITUAL HYPOCRISY OF THE JEWISH LEADERS, v.33 MURDERERS, BUT CEREMONIALLY CLEAN!

1. They could not enter Pilate's courtyard (gentile) and still partake of Religious feasts-
2. Their ceremonial rituals were used to hide the wicked hearts that plotted murder!-
3. Our world today still has men & nations who become strange allies- bound by common hate

B.- PILATE HAD TO ASK THEM "WHAT ACCUSATION BRING YE AGAINST THIS MAN?" v. 29 surely He knew

1. The soldiers brought Jesus into Judgement Hall, but Pilate had to go out to meet accusers!
2. Luke 23:2 gives the charge- Forbidding Tribute to Caesar; and calling himself Christ - King
3. John 18:30 shows their hypocrisy -they had no charge- just a bluff Then-v.31 real reason! Death

C.- PILATE RETURNED INTO THE JUDGEMENT HALL TO QUESTION JESUS, GUILT, AND SENTENCE v.33

1. To ask a beaten, crushed man-"Art thou the King of the Jews"- satirical, or treasonous?
2. Jesus evaded a pointless trap- and reached into the heart-v.34 -"Your idea or others?"
3. Pilate shows his hatred- "Am I a Jew"- disgust -"Your own nation & priests delivered you"

But a sincere question- "What have you done to deserve this?" He spoke for himself now

II.- A DISCOVERY "A KINGDOM, NOT OF THIS WORLD" 36

This is a startling revelation to a power hungry, corrupt, greedy military dictator

A.- JESUS ANSWERED HIM, MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD, ...THEN WOULD MY SERVANTS FIGHT!

1. Pilate understood fighting for a king- so do Baptists- but II Cor 10:3,4-"not war -flesh!'
2. Scientists speak of other dimensions, But Bible of Body, Soul, Spirit - Other worlds -here
3. Physical is not ALL!  Then whose Word will we take for that 5th Dimension?-  Not measurable?

B.- THE SPIRITUAL KINGDOM MUST COME FIRST, OR ELSE THE MATERIAL KINGDOM DESTROYS ITSELF!

1. John the Baptist came preaching of a Kingdom- Matt 3:2 -& Man's need to prepare himself!
2. Jesus from the beginning spoke of a special Kingdom- Matt 4:14 But men did not understand
3. One of His Commandments- Matt 6:33- Seek ye 1st the Kingdom of God! -or lose sanity!

C.- LATER GOD GAVE THROUGH PAUL Rom 14:17 KINGDOM NOT MEAT & DRINK, - RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, JOY

1. Many Christians have not yet realized this, or lives would be different-/Mammon or God?
2. When we seek Righteousness, Peace, & Joy -in HG; then the physical world fits into place- a tool!
3. v.18 -God and man both fit in place when you simply follow directions! -

Even Shakespeare's Sonnets recognize the transient dream physical; Poetry more eternal!

III.- THE CERTAINTY BORN TO THIS END" v. 37

The plan and purpose of God is eternal, and Jesus was born to fulfil it!- & God wants you to

A.- PILATE REDIRECTS HIS QUESTION, "ART THOU A KING THEN?" AND HE DISCOVERS A GREAT TRUTH!

1. His heart soften, the Kingdom matter is still up in the air, but the person- a King?
2. Jesus again redirects his question- "King is your word" - Jesus bending to help a king!
3. The word king- not strong enough- For Jesus is the God of all Glory- Creator, Sustainer!

B.- BUT JESUS EXPLAINS, "TO THIS END WAS I BORN, FOR THIS CAUSE I CAME" v. 37 WHAT SACRIFICE!

1. To become our Savior and Lord the Almighty left Heaven's Ivory Palaces- to a manger
2. But the way to the crown is through the cross- & now His Kingdom is spiritual!  Your choice
3. He can be your King- if you too are Born Again for this purpose! Only Saved can Enthrone !

C.- JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO BEAR WITNESS TO THE TRUTH, BUT PILATE MISSED THE GREAT ONE! 38

1. So close was he, that Pilate let the truth sunburn his back- as he left to call Jesus Just!
2. Today many people only go as far as Pilate in their judgement- If Just- then listen to Him
3. John 14:6 Jesus said- I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!- Only way to the Father!

You can choose this great World & its wisdom- or reach for the Universe with Christ!

WHILE THE WORLD GRASPS FOR AN EARTHLY KINGDOM, THE LORD INVITES YOU TO SEE HIS! Be Born Again!

1. If you believe that this World is not all there is- then come to Door of the Eternal World
2. When Jesus has opened your spiritual eyes- then enthrone Him King of your life- obey Him!
3. Then make your goal in life the pursuit of Righteousness, peace, & Joy in Holy Ghost