[360]When Jesus stood before Pilate accused of sedition because he taught concerning his kingdom coming, Pilate asked him:  “Art thou the King of the Jews?” And Jesus answered:  “My kingdom is not of this world”. (John 18:33,36) By the word world here is meant a social and political order.  The Scriptures show that from the time of Zedekiah’s overthrow until he whose right it is sets up his kingdom, the gentiles are in power and that these lie in the wicked one, Satan, who is the god or invisible ruler of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4) Jesus speaks of him as the prince of this world. (John 12:31) Satan’s rule has been unrighteous, wicked, and devilish; and when he comes whose right it is, he will establish a righteous kingdom in the place or stead of the unrighteous order of Satan.  By these words, then, addressed to Pilate we would understand the Master to mean that his kingdom from that time is future, yet definitely showing that in the future time he would have a kingdom.

[361]Jesus gave to his disciples a parable designated the parable of the pounds, in which he pictured himself as a certain nobleman going into a far country to receive a kingdom and to return; and he shows that this nobleman does return.  “He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.  And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come....  And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given money.” (Luke 19:12-15) A similar picture and lesson is taught by the parable of the talents.  (Matthew 25:14) As further evidence of his return, Jesus said:  “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall be gathered all nations.”—­Matthew 25:31,32.

[362]Just a short time before his crucifixion he was teaching his disciples.  They understood, though imperfectly, that he was to be taken from them.  His disciples were troubled at this information.  Then Jesus, speaking plainly to them, said:  “Let not your heart be troubled:  ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3) This is indisputable proof of his second coming.

[363]After his resurrection he had stated that he would ascend unto God the Father in heaven. (John 20:17) Forty days after his resurrection he was with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, instructing them to go to Jerusalem and there wait until they should receive the power of the holy spirit, that they might thereafter be witnesses for him.  “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he