Move past arguments

"Are you the king of the Jews?" Governor Pontius Pilate asked Jesus.
"You're the one who says I'm a king," Jesus told him, "but I'm not a king of this world. I've come to tell the truth, and anyone who wants to hear the truth will listen to me."

Arguments happen all the time -- at school, at home, even in places like stores and parks. Kids call each other names; grownups say bad words when they're driving; family members argue with one another.

Just because arguments are common doesn't make them right, but most of the time, you can't remember who you argued with a week ago or what upset you so much! You get annoyed, but you move on. Your connections with people you love are bigger than any argument.

This week's Gospel (John 18:33-37) is about "rising above" things like arguments. Jesus has been arrested because people who hate Him think He's trying to take over the government and cause problems.

Jesus' answer is basically, "Do you really think I care about being king of a country or group of people on Earth? I came from heaven!" He doesn't want to be a king or governor; He wants to help people get closer to God.

Arguments happen because people want to be listened to. You get angry because another kid or adult thinks differently; each of you believes you're right and that the other person is being unfair.

But Jesus was the only one who was always right. As He told Pontius Pilate, "Anyone who wants to hear the truth will listen to me."

The Gospel story shows two important ideas: When you're arguing with someone, probably neither of you are totally right; and arguments will pass. You just need to rise above them, like Jesus rose above arguments on Earth to teach about heaven.[[In-content Ad]]