What a picture to see, incredible! The soldiers divided His clothes, the last property He had on this earth. They robbed Him of His honour, His followers, His life, as He was nearing death. Truly, as the Bible says in: 2 Cor.8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”
There was a great crowd. Why? It was a festival week, the celebration of the Passover and Unleavened Bread. There were many Jews returning from different countries and other neighbouring countries. While Jesus was suffering on the cross, thousands stood and looked, others were mocking and taunting Him. Together with the Jewish leaders, the bystanders, the soldiers mocked and jeered: “He saved others, let Him saved Himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God”.
It was a custom at that time that when a condemned man was to be crucified, a notice-board was placed around His neck with the description of his crime for which he was condemned. In Jesus case, Pilate had difficulty. He even openly admitted that Jesus was innocent, and there was nothing recorded to describe the nature of His offence. Pilate knew that these religious leaders were just jealous. Jealousy hurts, sometimes kills. One of the works of the flesh is jealousy (Gal.5:20). Let us replace it with the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, self-control.”
So what did Pilate do? In order to avenge himself, because he was not really that happy by the religious fanatics request and pressure, Pilate made an inscription to be written over Him, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” In John 19:21 we know that these Jewish authorities were not happy with what Pilate had written and they requested it to be changed. But Pilate said it cannot be changed.
As we know earlier, Pilate granted their wishes to crucify an innocent Man, but now this is Pilate’s final moment of revenge. He also knew that the Jews were a subject people without a king. And anyone who dared to be king and challenged Caesar would die, according to Roman law.
Perhaps, Pilate was not aware that he was telling the truth about Christ and his inscription was correct. Although Christ was not ‘the king of the Jews” in an earthly and political sense at that moment in time, He was nevertheless the Messiah-King of Israel-the Head of the everlasting Kingdom. Certainly, He will be in the millennial kingdom. When He first came He was our Redeeming King who reigns in the hearts of His redeemed people. When He comes again, He will be the reigning King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:1-ff.).
Is He the King and Lord of your life? Let him be-it’s all by grace and by grace alone through faith alone.