Wednesday, March 18 Jesus, knowing that they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain all alone.​—John 6:15.

[Tish Hues]

Wednesday, March 18

Jesus, knowing that they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain all alone.—John 6:15.

 

If Jesus had allowed the people to make him king, he would be participating in the politics of the Jews, who were under Roman rule. Jesus decisively ‘withdrew to the mountain.’ So despite pressure from others, he would not get involved in politics. What a lesson for us! Obviously, others will not ask us to multiply bread or cure the sick miraculously; nor will they try to make us a king or a national ruler. But they may urge us to get involved in politics by voting for or by voicing support for someone they feel will improve matters. However, Jesus’ example is clear. He refused to get involved with political affairs, even saying later: “My Kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 17:14; 18:36) Christians today do well to mirror Jesus’ thinking and actions. We support, witness about, and pray for that Kingdom.—Matt. 6:10. w24.12 4 ¶5-6

[Brad Smith]