Seeing The King

Seeing the King

Luke 23:3, NLT

So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.”

John 18:33-37, NLT

Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. 34Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” 35“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” 36Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” 37Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king.”

Mark 15:9-12, NLT

“Would you like me to release to you this ‘King of the Jews’?” Pilate asked. 10(For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.) 11But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. 12Pilate asked them, “Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?”

Setting the Scene

The Jewish religious leaders hoped to have Pilate condemn Jesus by telling Pilate that Jesus had claimed to be “a king” (Luke 23:2, NLT). So Pilate asked Jesus directly, “Are you the king of the Jews?” This question is identical in all four Gospels, and the word you is emphatic. Jesus answered clearly, “You have said it” (Matthew 27:11, NLT).

Pilate used the title “king of the Jews” several times in his interaction with Jesus. These words mocked the Jews—the meek and silent man standing on the platform beside him was about as powerful as any Jew could be against the might and power of Rome.

During his ministry, Jesus had often spoken of his Kingdom, describing its nature and importance. Many, including the disciples, had interpreted this to mean an earthly kingdom—to throw off the Romans and restore the glory of Israel. But as Jesus had taught previously, he stated clearly to Pilate, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom . . . not of this world.”

Getting Personal

Today people seem to have no problem honoring Jesus as a baby, but they cannot accept him as King. Why do you think that is?

What makes submitting to Christ so hard?

What areas of your life do you find difficult turning over to his control?

When Jesus spoke of his Kingdom, he was referring to all that is under his authority, especially people. When believers are born again, they become subjects of this spiritual Kingdom. It doesn’t make sense to most people, then or now. How could Jesus be a King on a cross? But he is, and he has changed our lives and rules in our hearts.

To acknowledge someone as a “ruler,” “sovereign,” or “king” implies authority and submission. That person has the power and authority, and our response should be to submit and obey. Yet many who claim Jesus as their “Lord,” “Master,” and “King” resist his authority over their lives.

Talking to God

If you have never called God your Lord and King, humble yourself before your Sovereign today, acknowledging his reign over all creation and his authority over you.