A title is something many people covet. It can describe a position at a company. It can reveal a level of education, such as a doctor or lawyer. Titles may also show your position in a family like Mom, Dad, Grandmother, and so on. A title can also show a position of authority in a country, such as a king, queen, prince, or princess. Many countries are ruled by royalty, other countries maintain royalty as a status. We all have a title of some sort even if it’s just son or daughter.
Over 2000 years ago a title that was to be used to describe the reason for the crucifixion of Jesus was placed over His head. It was “JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Pilate wrote this title himself. Pilate was the governor of Judea while it was under Roman rule. He was known for being the one to oversee the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Historians have also noted that he was probably unprepared for the task of being the Governor. His title was Praefectus which is Latin for a military title meaning one who stands in front. Pilate came from a second-tier noble family. Historians believe he was unprepared because he was limited in his experience or training in diplomacy or government. However, because of his military experience, it would be enough to rule an outpost such as Judea.
John 19:19 “And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
When Pilate wrote the title to be placed above Jesus on the cross many read it. When titles were placed above the one being crucified it was used to tell the reason for their punishment of death. Matthew says it was an accusation. Luke calls it a superscription which is an inscription. It was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Therefore, all in the region could read the title given to Jesus of Nazareth. This crucifixion was closer to the city than some, this allowed anyone who wanted to see the reason for the crucifixion to view it. It also made people curious to read it because it was written in the three languages of the region. Matthew Henry says “in the Hebrew, the oracles of God were recorded; in Greek, the learning of the philosophers; and in Latin the laws of the empire. In each of these Christ is proclaimed king.” God so ordained this writing because from the resurrection until now Jesus is proclaimed the Savior of the world, the King of Kings.
The Jewish leaders were angry at the title given to Jesus by Pilate. In John 20:21 they told Pilate to change the title to “He said, I am King of the Jews,” but Pilate would not. The title would stand as it was written. Their pride would not allow them to recognize Jesus as the true Messiah. The one they had waited for and prayed to come would be rejected because He did not come as a conquering King to make other nations bow to them. He did not come to exalt the Jewish nation. Jesus came as a servant King. He came as a redeemer of the soul enslaved by sin. He came as a King of the world for all eternity. No one made Him king; He is THE KING.
John 19:20-22 “This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.”
Matthew 27:37 “And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Luke 23:38 “And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
No truer words were ever written than what Pilate wrote. His wife had an idea that Jesus was different, and she told her husband not to have anything to do with Him. Pilate thought something was amiss in this crucifixion but wasn’t sure what it was. He washed his hands as if he could wash away being part of the crucifixion. He didn’t understand what was so different about Jesus but he did not want to crucify Jesus. He wanted no part of this man.
Pilate had no idea he was being used to spread the knowledge of the true identity of Jesus. John 18:37 says “to this end I was born, for this cause I came into the world.” Jesus was born to die for the sins of the world. Pilate was simply a pawn in the hand of the Master. His title was correct, and He will ever be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Lamb of God, and the Savior of the world. Jesus is Lord.
John 18:37 “Pilate, therefore, said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
You can reject Him as the Jews did or you can accept Him as your Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. It is for you to decide. We were not created as robots; He wants us to choose Him. We need to repent of our sins, believe He is the one and only Son of God, and then seek to obey Him. Whether or not you receive Him as the Lord of your life doesn’t change the facts. Accept or reject, it’s your choice. He is the King!
