Jesus’ Trial, Death and Resurrection (As Recorded by John)Sample

Who was Jesus really?

“Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’” (John 19:19)

When Jesus was brought to Pilate, He was referred to as “King of the Jews.” This did not turn out to be a political title, and thus was not a threat to the Romans. Pilate's troops mocked it: “The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head and arrayed Him in a purple robe. They came up to Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews,’ and struck Him with their hands.” (John 19:2-3)

When Pilate again indicated that Jesus was innocent, he emphasized this with the words, “Behold the man!” He probably hoped to elicit pity from Jesus' accusers, but in vain. Instead, they came with an additional accusation: “We have a law, and according to that law, he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” That statement frightened Pilate, because Romans took very seriously the existence of sons of gods. It would be a disaster to condemn such a miracle-working son of god to death! However, in the end, the Jews' pressure proved greater and Pilate gave in to their demand. Jesus was to be crucified. But Pilate did leave a mocking sign hanging on His cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

Pilate did not take Jesus' kingship seriously. But he spoke the truth! Jesus was indeed King of the Jews, man and Son of God.

Do you also consider Jesus your King? What does that mean to you?