18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
(My personal commentary)
Verse 39 is interesting, to me it is a picture of us all, (the natural man).
He did not believe Jesus could do anything to help him, so he said,
"if thou be Christ, save thyself and us."
The unsaved man is condemned and in a helpless state just as this
criminal on the cross. Salvation was only a breath away but he
would not believe and ask Jesus to help him.
Verse 40 is a picture of the believer. (saved by faith in Christ)
He saw that his only hope was Jesus.
"and he said unto Jesus, Lord remember me when thou
comest into they kingdom."
Salvation was only a breath away, he confessed with his mouth
and believed in his heart Jesus would be raised from the dead
and bring him into his kingdom.
Thank You Jesus for remembering me when thou comest into thy kingdom!