The Lord’s Prayer ends with a doxology that is not original to Jesus’ teaching.  However, it is biblical. The language about kingdom, power and glory is likely taken from King David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29. David declares that God is the Lord over all. In John 18, Jesus is before Pilate, who vacillates between the crowds, the religious leaders, and Jesus, whom he knows to be innocent. Pilate is not in control of events. Jesus doesn’t seem worried or self-defensive, but responds with total trust in the Father’s will.

God is always in control.

1. Jesus brings God’s kingdom. Pilate asks if he is a king. He responds that his kingdom is not of this world. He is mocked by people who don’t believe that he could actually be the king of the Jews, the Messiah.

2. Jesus bears God’s power. In John 19, Pilate declares he has power to release Jesus or crucify him. Jesus responds that he would have no power unless it were given to him by God. In Gethsemane (John 18:6), Jesus announces himself with the words “I Am” and all the soldiers fall down. His majesty was apparent for a moment.

3. Jesus receives God’s glory. He tells Pilate that he came to bear witness to the truth about God and man. Glory is both luminosity and fame or recognition by others of greatness. Jesus is proclaiming God’s greatness and the Father in turn glorifies Jesus by raising him from the grave.

Taking It Home: Relinquish control when you pray “thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory.” Give up your ambitions of being your own little king. Admit you’re powerless over sin and cry out to Jesus. Increase God’s fame/glory with your testimony to others.