Scripture

Pilate posted a sign on the cross that said, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

Observation

Jesus is nailed to the cross at the place called Golgotha. Pilate has a sign announcing Jesus is King of the Jews attached to the cross. The priests want the sign changed to read, “He said “I am the king of the Jews”, but Pilate reuses.

After crucifying Jesus, the soldiers gamble for His clothes.

Application

What Pilate meant as mockery, God turns to prophecy.

Pilate sees the crucifixion as another political management issue. He has interrogated Jesus, had him flogged and now crucified. He sees the Jewish leaders are terrified of the influence of Jesus, and so Pilate now throws their own words back at them.

Jesus of Nazareth is King of the Jews. It is hard to believe that this battered body hanging on a cross is king of anybody. But by faith we look at the cross and say “Jesus is my King. Jesus is my Lord.”

Jesus laid aside the glory of the heavenly realms and became a human being. He was born in a stable, but those who first saw Him worshipped Him.

Jesus’ kingship is not about human appearances. It is not about what we see, but what we perceive by faith.

Jesus’ kingship over all humanity was established at the cross, because He was obedient to the Father all the way to death on a cross. Having been brought to the lowest place, God raised Him up to the highest place so that every tongue will confess He is Lord.

Jesus is not only King of the Jews. He is King of all creation.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I praise you and acknowledge that you are King. I pledge to obey you in all things and to walk in your ways. May your kingdom be shown through me. Amen.