John 19:19-22 19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many 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.”
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
Most of the time, Kings are far removed from their subject. They live in extravagant palaces, eat gourmet food, and I seem to have this image of them swimming through all their gold coins (oh wait, maybe that's from Duck Tales).
Jesus was not this type of King. Perhaps that is why the Jewish leaders not only insisted that he be crucified, but even after all that, they made an issue over the inscription. However, Jesus laying down his life is exactly what he needed to do to be the true king. He laid down his life for me so that I might be free. In doing so, he continued his reign over all, a reign that lasts for eternity.
Jesus' kingdom is so much greater than the stories of kings and kingdoms that we read about or see in movies (I am preparing myself for fairy tales...). His kingdom is one where all those who believe in Him are welcome. We don't have to be perfect, or offer a sacrifice...He takes us as we are simply because we are His. That is the type of king who is truly good. Thank you Jesus!
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