Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 24:1-22; John 19:1-22
Now Pilate also wrote an inscription and placed it on the cross. It was inscribed: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Every king needs a Kingdom. We heard about that yesterday. Jesus’ Kingdom isn’t an earthly Kingdom, but a heavenly one. One that’s all about mercy, love, and forgiveness. His Kingdom is the Holy Christian Church.
A king also needs a crown and throne. We have that today. Jesus is crowned with thorns. He is enthroned on the cross. That’s where Jesus is exalted and lifted up (John 3:14; 12:32). It’s why He’s there. He is the King of the Jews. That’s the charge against Him. He’s condemned for the truth.
The Jewish leaders reject Him. “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15). So did the Jews: “Crucify Him!” We reject Him, too. For our lives, our sports, our families, our time, our jobs. Those things rule our lives. They shouldn’t. But He would let you reject Him, just like the Jews. He’d give you what you most wanted—not Him.
But He wants you—you who don’t want Him. So, the true King dies. He’s crowned. He’s enthroned. All for you. You reject Him; He is rejected. He is rejected; you are saved. Reigning from His throne, He gives His life. He cries out, “It is finished!”
He ties you to Himself. Your King’s water and blood are yours at the font and Altar. There you are brought into and kept in the Kingdom. He reigns over you with mercy, love, and forgiveness there. He forgives; you are forgiven. He loves; you are loved. He lives; you live in Him.
That’s His reign. It all began at the cross. He is your crucified King, your Savior King. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
What fading flow’rs His road adorn; The palms, how soon laid down! No bloom or leaf but only thorn The King of glory’s crown. The soldiers mock, the rabble cries, The streets with tumult ring, As Pilate to the mob replies, “Behold, behold your King!” (No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet, LSB 444:3)
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