Opening Thought
The kingdom belongs to the Lord. You, You are Israel’s King!
Text: John 19:19–22
Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews. Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.”‘” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
Devotion
The governor wanted to ridicule the Jews who had caused him so much annoyance and pain of conscience and so shamefully turned him into their obedient servant. “Behold your King!” he said earlier, and now he puts “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” above the head of the Crucified. But if God’s providence is seen marvelously everywhere, then it is even more wonderfully seen in every detail of Jesus’ suffering. Pilate’s stubbornness put in his mouth an answer that is proclaimed and heard throughout the whole world! “What I have written, I have written.” What stands there shall stand there, and shall not be changed: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, Messiah. This despised Branch of David’s Root, this Jesus, who hangs there on the accursed tree, is the King over the house of Jacob, and for that reason He dies, not because He says: “I am King of the Jews,” but because in truth He is. The words, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” were placed over the thorn-encircled head of the crucified Savior, as a summary of the prophecies of the Messiah as the victorious King of Israel through suffering and death.
It was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. The message of the cross shall be preached not only in Hebrew, that is, the Jewish language, but also in the different languages of the Gentiles. The furious Jews forced Pilate to crucify the Lord of glory, but no cry and threat by men on earth or spirit from hell shall be able to tear this truth down from the cross or prevent it from being preached in every tongue. It shines like the sun over all the earth, this Gospel: this Man from Nazareth who hangs on the cross is Jesus, God’s Son, Savior of the world, the King who was to come to His people, and that’s why He dies. This is the reason for His death. And by His death He establishes the Kingdom. By His death He makes the prince of death powerless, and He makes the Word of the Cross into the sword of the kingdom.
Be a son of Jacob, an Israelite without guile, dear friend, since the fact remains that Jesus is your King, there with His royal saving power, stronger than all powers in heaven and earth, holding His scepter to rule and defend you. And He writes indelibly in your soul: I am your King, the kingdom belongs to Me, and you are My blessed possession.
Closing Prayer
Yes, precious Savior, Lord of glory, let it be so, and spread Your royal power over all the earth. Gather Your Israel from all peoples. Amen.
Hymn
On His cross has Pilate written
Splendid title: “King of Jews!”
Envy angry hearts has bitten
All who heritage misuse.
They insist on vengeance grim,
Tearing Jesus limb from limb,
Though they make Him bloody, gory,
Yet He is the King of Glory.
On my heart imprint Thine image,
Blessed Jesus, King of grace,
That life’s riches, cares, and pleasures
Have no power Thee to efface.
This the superscription be:
Jesus, crucified for me,
Is my Life, my hope’s Foundation,
And my Glory and Salvation.
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