Tag: King of the Jews
Jesus, King of the Jews!
Scripture reading for January 2nd: Matthew 2
Matthew records the visit of the Magi (wise men) from the East. They probably came from the area of the Middle East that we now know as Iran or Iraq. These men had left their country and were following a star that appeared to them and was leading them. They somehow knew that the child they were seeking was “King of the Jews”. (Matthew 2:1)
When they reached Jerusalem, they went to see King Herod and inquire about where to look. This brought about a great disturbance in King Herod and in the city of Jerusalem! Calling together the elders of the Jews, Herod asked them what they knew about the Christ’s birthplace. They quoted the prophet Micah 5:2, stating that Bethlehem would be the city of Judah where the ruler would come. Herod told this to the wise men and asked them to report back when they found this King.
The star took them about five miles away to Bethlehem. When the saw the child Jesus, joy overwhelmed them! They were so moved that they bowed down and worshiped Him. They were not ashamed to show their reverence and to honor this King of the Jews! They even opened their treasures and laid gold, frankincense and myrrh at His feet. God warned them in a dream to go home another way.
Their response is a model for all seekers of King Jesus. They were willing to leave behind their old life and follow God’s leading to where He was. They sought those who knew Scripture and listened. When they found Jesus, they opened their hearts and treasures and worshiped Him! When they found Him, they went home a new way! Where your treasure is, there your heart will be as well! (Matthew 6:21)
Famous Last Words!
Scripture reading for May 31st: John 19:23-42
It is said that a man’s last words as he leaves this world have meaning. They reveal something about the heart of the person and leave something for those left to remember him by. Jesus, as He hung on the cross, spoke some last words that have been contemplated by those who followed Him.
Around the cross, soldiers gambled for His seamless robe. They cast lots to see who would get this robe. It would be a little extra payment for their gruesome job. This fulfilled Scripture written by David in Psalm 22:18. Over the cross was a sign written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek, “The King of the Jews”. This was written by Pilate–a designation He refused to change even when requested by the Jews. This was the setting as Jesus suffered.
“Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From this time on, this disciple took her into his house.” “ (John 19:25-27) Jesus, in His agony, took note of His mother. He placed her in the care of His beloved disciple. This was John, who wrote this account! We have an eye-witness account that is not recorded any where else. What love and compassion we behold in Christ!
“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it and put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:28-30) John records these last words of Jesus.
Psalm 69:21 stated that they would give vinegar for the thirst. This prophesy was fulfilled here. I believe that Jesus was also thirsty for His Father’s house! (Psalm 42:2) His work was done, fulfilling all Scripture and now He wanted the glory of heaven and fellowship with the Father! “It is finished” simply states “Paid in full”! He then yielded His spirit to God!
The King with a crown of thorns!
Scripture reading for March 11th: Mark 15:1-47, Psalms 54:1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6
“They bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate. “Are you king of the Jews?’ Asked Pilate. “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.” (Mark 15:1b-2) Jesus openly admitted that He was indeed king of the Jews. In fact, had He been asked, He would have told Pilate that He was the King of Kings. (Revelation 19:16) Pilate did not know enough to ask about that! Pilate was confused by all the charges leveled against Jesus. He asked Jesus to respond to these charges, but Jesus answered not a word! (Mark 15:3-5)
Pilate tried to get the crowd to release Jesus, but the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask for Barabbas instead. Pilate then asked the crowd what should be done with their king. “”Crucify Him!” they shouted!” (Mark 15:13-15) Because Pilate desired to please the crowd, he turned Jesus, King of the Jews, over to be crucified.
The soldiers took Jesus and dressed Him in a purple robe and twisted a crown of thorns and set it on His head. “And they began to call out to Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff and spit on Him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.” (Mark 15:18-20) The crown of thorns was mean to mock Jesus and cause Him greater suffering. They beat it into His brow, causing blood to flow as they taunted Him and bowed down in mock homage.
This crown really represented the curse of sin that Jesus willingly bore for us for our healing and deliverance. Jesus was made a curse for us and took the curse of God’s wrath on broken law. All who will bow before Him, repent of their sins, and ask for mercy will be forgiven and given eternal life! This King is really the King of Kings and has the power to give pardon because of the price He paid! Jesus bought justice by taking our place! Should you not bow before Him now in humble adoration, giving yourself to Him as a living sacrifice? It’s the only reasonable response!
King of the Jews!
Scripture reading for February 13th: Matthew 27:35-66, Psalm 33, Proverbs 9:7-8
“When they had crucified Him, they divided up His clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. Above His head they placed the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Two robbers were crucified with Him, on on His right and on on His left. Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:35-40)
It was the custom to place the charges against the criminal above their heads on the cross where they were crucified. Pilate had ordered that the charge be “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”. The chief priests argued with Pilate and told him not to write “King of the Jews” but only that Jesus had claimed to be “King of the Jews”. Pilate was resolute and left the sign in place. (John 19:19-22) It is ironic that the sign was the truth, Jesus was and is still the King of the Jews as well as “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords”! (Revelation 19:16)
The charge was taken as a joke by the people and soldiers as well as the chief priests. They mocked and ridiculed their King, taunting Him and hurling insults at Him! As they had asked for His blood to be upon them and their children, they further incriminated themselves with the mocking. Little did they understand that this was God’s Son, and their King and Messiah. They were hardening their hearts before the one who was offering His life to save them! “He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.” (Matthew 27:42) Even the robbers who were crucified with Him, heaped insults on Him!
One of the robbers finally did humbly ask Jesus to remember him when he came into His Kingdom. Jesus promised him he would be with Him in Paradise that day! Jesus also prayed for those who had crucified Him and taunted Him. He asked the Father to forgive them. This King of Kings is full of mercy and will save any who call on Him! Have you?
This is My Son, Whom I Love!
Scripture reading for October 6th: Matthew 1-4
Four hundred years of silence had passed and God was speaking again! He was fulfilling a number of prophesies that He had given over the years concerning His Son. A virgin named Mary gave birth to a son. (Matthew 1:22-23) This virgin and her betrothed husband, Joseph, were descendants of King David and their genealogy was traced back to Abraham. (Matthew 1:1-16) This “Son” was born in Bethlehem and fulfilled what the prophet Micah had predicted nearly 700 years earlier. (Matthew 2:6)
Gentile wise men came to worship Him who was born “king of the Jews.” Gentiles would also be blessed and come to this “king of the Jews” for salvation! After talking with them, Herod became jealous and ordered the destruction of all boys 2 years and younger. God had already intervened and warned Joseph and Mary to depart for Egypt. This fulfilled two other prophesies about Rachel weeping for her children and God calling His Son out of Egypt. (Matthew 2:15-18) When Joseph and Mary returned to Israel after Herod’s threat had passed, they settled in Nazareth. Jesus was called a “Nazarene” in fulfillment of prophetic word!
The Book of Malachi had ended with a promise from God that He would send Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord. (Malachi 4:5-6) Elijah’s message would seek to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Matthew records the ministry of John the Baptist preaching in the Desert of Judea and calling God’s people to repentance and water baptism. John was Jesus’ cousin and had a special call from God to prepare the way for His Son. (Matthew 3:1-3)
John the Baptist spoke plainly to the religious leaders who came to ridicule him. He warned them that one was coming who would not just baptize with water, but with the Holy Spirit and fire! (Matthew 3:7-11) (Matthew 3:15) Jesus was baptized and John and the crowd there witnessed the Father speaking concerning Jesus His Son!
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went out of the water. At that moment heaven opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17
The King and the governor!
Scripture reading for May 30th: John 18:25-19:22
As the illegal trial of Jesus continued before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, the Son of God showed His control throughout the trial. No man would take His life, He would willingly lay it down. He even reached out to help Pilate!
Pontius Pilate came out of his house to meet the Jewish leaders and their captive, Jesus Christ. He asked them what charges they were bringing against Jesus. “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” Pilate said, “Take Him yourselves and judge Him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” the Jews objected. This happened indicating the kind of death He was going to die would be fulfilled. (John 18:29-32) These men wanted Jesus executed and knew that the only way that could happen is for Pilate to approve of it. But God’s plan was moving along and He was really in control!
Pilate took Jesus into his palace and had Jesus brought before him and asked, “Are You the king of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about Me?” (John 18:33-34) I believe Jesus was probing Pilate to see if he might be open to ministry and faith.
Jesus then told him, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” (John 18:36-37) Jesus was offering Pilate understanding of who He was. He was speaking truth to Pilate in a way that he could understand and repent. But Pilate questioned, “What is truth?”
Pilate tried to free Jesus, saying there was no basis for a charge against Him. The people demanded that Jesus be crucified. He questioned Jesus further but Jesus refused to answer. Pilate threatened Jesus, stating he had power to free Him. “You would have no power over Me if it were not granted to you from above.” (John 19:11) In the end, Jesus was turned over to be crucified!
King of the Jews
Scripture reading for February 13th: Matthew 27:35-66, Psalm 33, Proverbs 9:7-8
“When they had crucified Him, they divided up His clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. Above His head they placed the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Two robbers were crucified with Him, on on His right and on on His left. Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:35-40)
It was the custom to place the charges against the criminal above their heads on the cross where they were crucified. Pilate had ordered that the charge be “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”. The chief priests argued with Pilate and told him not to write “King of the Jews” but only that Jesus had claimed to be “King of the Jews”. Pilate was resolute and left the sign in place. (John 19:19-22) It is ironic that the sign was the truth, Jesus was and is still the King of the Jews as well as “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords”! (Revelation 19:16)
The charge was taken as a joke by the people and soldiers as well as the chief priests. They mocked and ridiculed their King, taunting Him and hurling insults at Him! As they had asked for His blood to be upon them and their children, they further incriminated themselves with the mocking. Little did they understand that this was God’s Son, and their King and Messiah. They were hardening their hearts before the one who was offering His life to save them! “He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.” (Matthew 27:42) Even the robbers who were crucified with Him, heaped insults on Him!
One of the robbers finally did humbly ask Jesus to remember him when he came into His Kingdom. Jesus promised him he would be with Him in Paradise that day! Jesus also prayed for those who had crucified Him and taunted Him. He asked the Father to forgive them. This King of Kings is full of mercy and will save any who call on Him! Have you?