Jesus the King
John 19:19–22
Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. John 19:19
What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord? I think there is an answer to that question in the significance of the languages in which the caption of the cross was written (see v. 20 KJV). The first language mentioned by John is Hebrew. Hebrew was the language of religion and morality. Proclaiming Jesus King in Hebrew suggests that he is King of religion. He is himself the only true representation of God and the only sure and certain proclaimer of the way to be just before him. Jesus is Lord in this area. Consequently, if he is your Lord, he must be the One who determines what you believe concerning God and salvation.
Greek is the second language. This was the language of science, culture, and philosophy. It was the language of beauty. If Jesus is Lord in this area, then his outlook must prevail as you look out upon our culture. Is what you see what he desires? Is our culture’s world-and-life-view his view? If it is not—and it is certain that it is not—then you must side with your Lord regardless of the world’s opinion either of him or of you.
Finally, there is Latin, the language of law and good government. This reminds us that Jesus is the supreme lawgiver and law administrator. His laws must govern your conduct, and you must be obedient to him, even though his commands may be countermanded by the state or any other human authority.
The cross reveals the place of Jesus in your life. Pilate put his inscription on the cross primarily to irritate the leaders of the Jewish people, and it did irritate them, so much so that they requested that the wording be changed. These leaders hated Jesus so much that in his death they did not want to give even the appearance of recognizing his kingship. The inscription revealed their nature as it truly was. But it did that for Pilate too, for in response, the cowardly recalcitrance of Pilate emerged clearly so that the one who did not have courage to acquit One whom he knew to be innocent nevertheless stupidly dug in his heels over this.
The cross always reveals men as they are. It reveals the soldiers’ nature, the nature of the crowds, that of the faithful women and John who was present. It reveals our hearts as well. We cannot be hypocrites before that cross. It is too great, its scope too universal. What does the cross show you to be? Does it show you to be a sinner—without hope, under condemnation—because you have no part in the Savior? Or does it show you to be his follower? God grant that if you have not yet done so, you might find him as Savior and begin to follow him as your rightful King and Lord.
Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.