A Ransom For ManySample

King of the Jews

Have you ever felt like the whole world was against you? Jesus offered Himself as a ransom for us by allowing the empire of Rome and the corrupt religious system to betray, mock, and crucify Him. He was innocent of every charge, a man without sin, yet they killed Him.

Six times in this passage, Jesus is called King by those executing him. Although meant to belittle Him, they were actually speaking truth. He is the King, but His Kingdom isn’t of this world. Three decades earlier, wise men came seeking the King of the Jews that had been born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:2). And throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke constantly of His Kingdom. And now the King of the Jews was being led to His death, giving His life as a payment for our sin, that we might be liberated!

What Pilate saw at first was a criminal on trial, and a mob called for His death. Pilate was blind to the purpose of Jesus’ execution. But after Jesus died as payment for our sin, eyes began to open, starting with the Roman centurion. He saw and confessed that this wasn’t just the King of the Jews, this man truly was the Son of God.

Who is Jesus to you? Do you view Him as a threat or a criminal? Or have you seen Him as the centurion did, and confessed that He is the Son of God? Jesus loves you so much that He laid down His life to set you free.