the King on the cross

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

John 19:19

The world was grossly unfair and snidely casual about the execution of Jesus. Pilate, out of expediency, agreed to Jesus’ crucifixion and in a dark “proto-meme” had a caption put on the cross as Jesus was dying. Forever in the scene now is the caption: “Jesus, the Nazarene, the King of the Jews”. This image will always be part of the gospel, impossible to erase. Mockery right in the midst of the unimaginable. 

Pilate’s dark sense of humor actually upset the religious leaders who had demanded the execution from the Roman governor. Yet Pilate coldly sneered on, content to have the last laugh with his own public inside joke, at Jesus’ expense.

And still today many might pass by the cross, looking back at it in history and wondering why it matters that a Nazarene peasant religious leader died that way. But the truth is, the dark comedy of the inscription was the ultimate truth and reason for the cross. The King came to save us. The King of the Jews, the Messiah, was delivered over on Passover to be the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

This King on a cross rose from the dead three days after this awful execution, turning His mockery into victory. Christians may be challenged right now. A health crisis worldwide has us safely sheltering home, limited in social interaction, unable to see many face to face, in the fight against the current epidemic. Normally this season of Lent is filled with gatherings of worshipful reflection on the power and presence of our King. But we can still worship Him as we prepare for a unique Easter morning, celebrating in our homes and hearts. Yes, the King was mocked. Yes, the King was beaten. Yes, the King was executed. But the King entered into it all willingly. He gave His life. And the King now lives! And so do we! Yes, we live, because of Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews!