Sermon nuggets Weds Dec 4
Theme- Crucifixion
Verses- John 19:19-21 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.
21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.")
The Sign points to Christ’s Sovereign Love
The sign above the cross was not uncommon when one was crucified. It seems that the custom of the Romans was to put the particular individual crime above the criminal's head as a public example for people to see to prevent others from murder, or robbery, or revolting. The reason Pilate was giving Jesus to the Jews he didn’t want the responsibility for the death. So he had written, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
The Jewish leaders didn’t like that. They wanted it to say, “He says he is the King of the Jews.” But since Pilate hardly got his way in anything else, at least in this he was not going to back down. All the protesting wasn’t going to help because by the time any appeals would be given Jesus would have been dead and buried. Pilate had it written in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin.
The desire to keep his high government post was greater than Pilate’s determination to do what was right. Actually Pilate obtained no earthly benefit from this decision. The church Father, Eusebuis, quoted form Greek historians said that Pilate fell out of favor with his superiors and committed suicide before 40 AD less that 10 years after this fateful decree. But that does not change the sovereignty of God and His Kingly love. Jesus was King. Jews objected with Nazareth being an old hick-town. No king could come from that little place. But God in His power saw to it that the sign was placed up there identifying for the world and for all in the three known languages in that area who it was on the cross and why. He was King. The title in the Hebrew Greek and Latin also implied that all people who could read know it was for more than Jewish eyes. The significance of the cross is not just to recognize Jesus was Savior, one to save us form our sins, but also as King. He is Lord. We are to obey him in all areas of our lives.
James Boice tells us the Hebrew is the language of religious community implying He is the King of all religion. Greek is the language of the sciences, cultures and wars and philosophy and these are the areas of our lives to be subject to his ruler ship. Latin is the language of the law and government. God in Christ is the law giver and one to be obeyed.
Perhaps it was this sign that caused one thief to ponder his own crucifixion that he is suffering of his own sins, but Jesus indeed was an innocent man. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom”, he asked. And Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” Perhaps it was that sign that was the tool to bring the thief to conviction and salvation realizing who Jesus is. Jesus is our King. He is to be Sovereign.
Herbert Prochow says, “We need to reaffirm our stand on principles that have strongly motivated the conduct of our people throughout their history. The first principle is our recognition of the sovereignty of God. We need to re-emphasize that man is not the center of universe. It is providence that is sovereign and gave the ultimate object and goals to mankind.” The details were planned long ago. Christ accepted His Father’s sovereign control.
The Kingship of Jesus is acknowledged on the sign- “Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews.” Is He king of your heart, of your hand, of your mouth, of your body, of your soul, spirit and mind? He left His glory to demonstrate His sovereign love.
Pastor Dale.
