The King of the Jews

The sign on the cross said “The King of the Jews”. This is His royal title that is made public on the cross, in 3 different languages. Brian explains.

Mark’s Version of The Crucifixion

Let us read Mark 15:25-32, describing the crucifixion of Jesus.

“It was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which says, ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself and come down from the cross!’ So, also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.’ 

Mark 15:25-32

The Creator is Crucified

The Creator is crucified. No Jew or Roman could believe that anyone crucified would pretend to be God. How do you explain it? In Lewis Bailey’s 17th century devotional book, Practice of Piety, there is a dialogue between a man’s soul and Christ in which Christ explains to the soul the meaning of the cross:

Soul: Lord why would you be taken when you might have escaped your enemies? Christ: That your spiritual enemies should not take you and cast you into the prison of outer of utter darkness:

Soul: Lord why would you be lifted up on a cross? Christ:  That I might lift you up with me to heaven.

Soul: Lord, why were your hands and feet nailed to the cross? Christ: To enlarge your hands to do the works of righteousness and to set your feet at Liberty, to go in the ways of peace.

Soul: Lord, why walk would you allow your arms to be spread wide on the cross? Christ: That I might embrace you more lovingly, my sweet soul.

Soul: Lord, why was your side opened with a spear? Christ: That you might have a way to come near to my heart.

The Sign on the Cross

The sign on the cross said, “The King of the Jews.” This declaration that Jesus is King did not begin at the cross. During Jesus’ infancy, wise men came from the east worshipping him as King. (Matthew 2:2)

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding a donkey, the crowd cried,

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

(John 12: 13)

Standing before Pilate, Jesus himself announced his Kingdom:

“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world …  Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “Indeed I am a king.”

(John 18:36,37-Phillips Translation)

Royal Title

Now his royal title is made public from a cross, in 3 different languages: In Latin: The Romans, known for their system of justice, break their own laws attack Jesus. In Greek: The Greeks, known for their wisdom, are putting to death the One who was Wisdom itself. In Hebrew: The Jews, longing to find the Messiah who will set their nation free, are crucifying Jesus, that very Messiah.

His kingdom is re-stated in the 3 dominant languages, and nothing the rulers could do could get it removed! Jesus rules, even from the Cross. Almost every New Testament reference to Jesus as a king is connected to his cross!

A Thief Who Turned to Jesus

For the thief who turned to Jesus as his King and Lord, when they hurried his death by breaking his legs, they actually ushered him into life. The moment his body died …. he entered life in heaven with Jesus … forever. Why? Because he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” and Jesus said to him, “This day you will be with me in paradise.”  If that could happen to a thief on a cross, it can happen to you. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will join that thief and millions of others, with Jesus, in heaven, forever.

What does it mean to you that Jesus is King of the Jews? Contact us at HopeStreamRadio,  or comment below.