Acknowledging Jesus' Kingship

Scripture: So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’” Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.” John 19:21-22

Observation: Pilate had a choice in sentencing Jesus. He could release Jesus, or sentence him to death. It was the Jews who forced the matter by declaring that Jesus' actual crime was rebellion against Caesar. With that charge, Pilate was politically trapped. However, in writing out the charge for crucifixion, Pilate has another choice regarding the nature of the rebellion. Claiming to be a king would likely be enough in the eyes of Rome. However, Pilate actively chooses a different charge ... he deliberately - and even against protests - charges Jesus with actual kingship.

At the very least, Pilate has seen the activities around Jerusalem for the last few days. He saw hundreds of thousands of people change Jesus' name as he rode into the city. He saw Herod humbly ask for an audience with Jesus. And now he sees the action of the chief priest for what it is, fear of a loss of authority among the Jews. Jesus may not have sat on a throne, but Pilate wrote what he wrote on purpose.

Application: I see from time to time people who are opposed to Jesus - either actively or passively - who yet live under the authority of Jesus. They do not know that the order of the universe that guides their decisions is part of the order of heaven. Moreover, they do not know that their alliance with the deceptions of our time is the same as joining a rebellion, and this rebellion against such authority is proof itself of the authority of Jesus in this world.

Pilate understood that only a great, powerful, and important man was worthy of such guile, betrayal, and rebellious efforts as exhibited by the Jews. Resistance against God is proof of the authority of Jesus. This is a logical discussion, where of course often logic is not of use, but it remains true.

Prayer: My Lord and my King, you are the ruler of my life, and the only authority in this world. May your ways prevail, and your time come soon. We seek your return and your kingdom. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.