The Romans put a signboard on the cross stating the condemned person’s crime as a warning. Jesus’ signboard said King of the Jews. The Jewish leadership considered the title of king to be false. But, ironically, this was the truth. Pilate knew that Jesus had claimed to be king, but it was not of this world. John 18: 36 Jesus 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.”
37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?”
Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” [1]
A Different Kind of King
N.T. Wright describes the irony of Jesus’ kingship. “Jesus has stood on its head the meaning of kingship, the meaning of the kingdom itself. He has celebrated with the wrong people, offered peace and hope to the wrong people, and warned the wrong people of God’s coming judgment.”
Now, he is hailed as king at last, but in mockery. Here comes his royal cupbearer, only it’s a Roman soldier offering him the sour wine that poor people drank. Here is his royal placard, announcing his kingship to the world, but it is in fact the criminal charge which explains his cruel death.”[2]
If Jesus is the King, What is the Kingdom?
The Kingdom of God includes: 1. The rule of Jesus Christ on earth and in heaven. 2. The blessings and advantages that flow from living under Christ’s rule. 3. The subjects of this kingdom, or the Church. [3]
Jesus won the victory over sin, death, and the devil on the cross. This victory began at the cross and will completed when Jesus returns. Revelation 11: 15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” [4]
As Jesus paid the blood price for our sins, we can have a restored relationship with God and the blessings that come with that. Matthew 6: 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [5]
Through faith in Jesus, we become citizens of God’s kingdom. John 3: 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God…I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water, and the Spirit… the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.[6]
Jesus was the King of the Jews then and desires to be King of your life today. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-ultimate-sacrifice
[1,4-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Wright, T. (2004). Luke for Everyone (p. 284). Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
[3] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/what-is-the-kingdom-of-god-understanding-it-s-meaning.html