THE STORY OF JESUS: John 19:16-27
“It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19)
Pilate is not just shaming Jesus, he is mocking the Jews.
With this message is another message: ‘you Jews are under Rome’s rule!’
‘Your king, your leaders, your people and your land – it belongs to Rome!’
Pilate won’t even change the sign when asked, for he is in charge.
The dramatic irony in all this is that the sign is right.
God is using Pilate and Rome and the Jews to restore His kingdom.
Through the cross and grace, Jesus reclaims the right to rule for God.
It is BECAUSE He chooses to live, love and lead like God, that He dies.
But that very choice also leads to God’s vindication and restoration.
The world may mock Jesus and His followers, but He HAS been crowned as king.
The cross represents God’s coronation of love, goodness, mercy, justice.
Satan, sin, death and hell may mock and ridicule, but they cannot stop it.
All those who stand on the side of goodness and love will rise up to reign.
Because all kings, leaders, peoples, and lands belong to Jesus, King of the World!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, as I consider the rulers of this world, I can say confidently that I am not ashamed to call you King over all.
Who was/is in charge? The chief priests thought they were by getting their own way – the death of Jesus. Pilate, by saying what I have written is written thought He was in charge. But Christ, even when close in death showed His love when He spoke to His disciple. He loved and served to the end. He was born to die so I could live in Him and for Him. I too will die but in the meantime, born to live for Jesus. As Jesus showed His love unto the very end, I too need to show that love. I need to live for my King every day for He is not just the King of the Jews but the King of kings, my King who reigns in my heart.
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into your hands
For it’s only in your will that I am free
For it’s only in your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be