August 22, 2004

THE KING OF THE JEWS

"Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS" (John 19:19, NKJV).

Posted in bold letters on the cross for public reading was the compelling title:"JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." Little did Pilate realize that this poignant announcement would give legitimacy to the fact that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the King of the Jews.

This Man on the cross is no alien impostor. He is a direct descendant of the royal tribe of Judah (see Genesis 49:10; Hebrews 7:14). He is the seed of King David, of the house of David, and of the city of David. He was the One prophesied of in Micah 5:2. He was the One born King of the Jews (see Matthew 2:2). The fact is that Christ was born king because he was king before He was born (see Psalm 2:6).

The title, "King of the Jews," as posted by Pilate became an embarrassing dilemma for the chief priests who had demanded Christ's death. They feared the title, as written, would legitimize Christ's claim to kingship. Hence, they insisted that it be edited to read, "He said, 'I am King of the Jews' " (John 19:21, NKJV). This would have presented Christ as an impostor and therefore guilty of blasphemy. The title, as written by Pilate, was seen as an insult to the Jewish nation and as constituting a Roman warning that any Jew claiming to be king would be executed.

Whether we like it or not, Pilate's title is correct. Jesus of Nazareth is indeed King of the Jews. By birth, He is the rightful king of all people. No modification of the title can change this fact. Under this title, Jesus was shamefully mistreated, derided, mocked, and murdered (see Mark 15:9-30). But we await His soon return in majesty as King of all the universe (see Mark 14:62). "The crucifixion of Christ by his enemies made him the Redeemer of mankind, the Saviour of the fallen race, and ruler over the whole world."--Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 158.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I hail You, as King and invite You to reign within my heart today. Amen.