In Pilate’s encounter with Jesus, the word king or kingdom is mentioned eleven times. According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, a king is one that is supreme or preeminent in a particular group, category, or sphere.
Pilate had questioned Jesus and found Him not guilty. I don’t think Pilate really thought Jesus was a Jewish king, but to goad the Jewish leaders, he called Jesus their king.
John 19: 14 It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!” 15 “Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!” “What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back. 16 Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. [1]
Betrayal
Jews considered themselves to be God’s people and God was their king. Why did they suddenly claim a pagan Roman leader as king? In a move of convenience, these rebellious people claimed loyalty to Rome while rejecting their Messiah. In the heat of the moment, they had forgotten their faith. But perhaps, their words show where their hearts really were. They were showing that God was no longer supreme in their lives and they were betraying their faith.
True King
In reality, only God is the one with the ultimate and full power. Jesus even tells Pilate this during their interaction. John 19:11 Jesus answered, “The only power you have over me is the power given to you by God. So the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” Here, Jesus acknowledges that the Jewish leadership has denied their true God and committed a sin by turning Him over to Pilate for a death sentence.
Who is your king? Our individualistic culture tells us that self should be supreme. John 10:10 talks about two Kings. The thief’s (satan) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My (Jesus) purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. [2] One King will change your life and lead you to heaven and the other king works to destroy your life and deceive you. Jesus is often called the good shepherd[3] and the 23rd Psalm describes the good shepherd.
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.[4]
If Jesus is our King and shepherd, how does He care for His sheep? He provides for our needs, leads me where I can rest, and guides me along life’s path. I don’t know about you, but this is who I want as my King!
Prayer
Dear Lord, I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you and have lived my life for myself only. I am sorry, and I repent. Please forgive me because You died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life; I give it to you. From this day forward, help me to live every day for you and in a way that pleases you. I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you. Thank you for being my King! Amen.[5]
To hear more about the true king, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-pilate
[1,- 4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[5] https://www.learnreligions.com/a-prayer-of-salvation-701284