Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read John 19:19-22

"The inscription of the charge against Him read,
'The King of the Jews'" (Mark 15:26)

Reflection:

The Romans used crucifixion to control areas
prone to rebellion. But unless the people knew
why the criminals were being executed it could
never be a deterrent. So each cross held an
inscription naming the criminal and the crime
for which he was being crucified. The inscription
was written in the legal language (Rome), the
common language of the Empire (Greek) and
the local language (Aramaic).

Pilate's inscription identified Jesus by His
childhood home Nazareth. The crime for which
He was being executed was being King of the
Jews. The chief priests objected- they never
considered Jesus their King. The inscription
should read "This man said 'I am King of the
Jews'". But Pilate had heard enough. They
had threatened him and forced him to condemn
a man he knew was innocent.

God Himself stood behind Pilate and gave him
strength to stand firm on this. God's own Son
was indeed the King of the Jews. That is how
He had been revealed to the wise men when
the Christmas star guided them to Jerusalem
where they asked where they could find the one
born King of the Jews. They foreshadowed that
Jesus the King of the Jews would extend His
kingship over all nations.

And though it may not look like it, as He hangs
on the bloody cross Jesus is exercising His
Kingship. He is laying down His life to protect
His subjects and to rescue them from deadly
peril. His reign won't end on that cross either.
It continues today and for all eternity.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Jews, thank You
for laying down Your life to save and protect Your
people from sin, death, Satan and hell. Remember
me in Your kingdom.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries Lenten Devotional)