December 2

The King of the Jews

Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. — Matt 27:37 BSB

There was no crime charged against Jesus. Pilate, after examining Him, could find no fault in Him. The inscription on the cross, “The King of the Jews,” was not a charge of guilt but a mockery intended for the people. Yet it told the truth. Jesus was indeed their King, the long-awaited Messiah. He had fulfilled every prophecy, and yet His own people had rejected Him. They led Him to Calvary and crucified Him. His throne was the cross, and His crown was made of thorns.

Though it does not appear to us as a kingly hour when Jesus hung on the cross, it was, in fact, His moment of greatest earthly glory. He spoke of His crucifixion as His glorification. In that moment, He was truly the King of the Jews, even as they crucified Him. But He is our King as well. How do we treat Him? Are we living in obedience to Him? Or, like those who crucified Him, are we rejecting Him or denying His rule in our lives? These are questions we must answer.