“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’” John 18:36 NIV
Jesus’ answer above is two fold; he declares that he is not a king in a political sense, but rather in a moral sense. We are to understand that though the nature and origin of His kingdom are not of this world, it should still extend in this world. For His is a kingdom without men, yet it is set up in their hearts and consciences. Just as Jesus told Peter to put his sword away, the weapon of His kingdom is spiritual, not physical. Unlike a worldly battle, no sword is used to maintain or advance his kingdom.
May we be encouraged that as children of God, we belong to His kingdom, and also receive the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lock Your Wings 
I always admired Peter as a bit crazy and over the top: wanting to walk in water, wanting to wash his whole body, slicing off someone’s ear. Peter passionately denies that he’d never forsake Jesus and 12 hours later he’d done it three times. Can’t we all identify with Peter? Wanting to do the impossible but then taking our eyes off Christ and finding out we are sinking. Exaggerating our devotion to make ourselves look better. Wanting to do our own thing instead of leaning into God’s plan. Yet God calls Peter “rock” and uses him to exceptionally to grow His kingdom.
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