HUMILIATION OF A KING

JOHN 19:17–24

Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written”

(John 19:21–22).

We have three parts of the crucifixion account given to us in this passage: the conflict between the chief priests and Pilate over the inscription, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews;” the inclusion of two other prisioners, thus fulfilling the prophecies in Isaiah 53:12 and Luke 22:37; and, finally, the casting of lots for Jesus’ tunic, which also fulfilled a prophecy in Psalm 22:18.

Let us begin with the conflict over the inscription. While it was common for the crime to be published, Pilate’s intentions involved more than mere formalities. He despised the Jews and wanted to ridicule them by writing, “The King of the Jews” instead of “This man claimed to be King of the Jews.” The chief priests, offended by Pilate’s mockery, demanded that the inscription be rewritten. But Pilate would not relent. He took delight in rubbing it in. The irony is that what Pilate wrote was true. Jesus was the King of the Jews, indeed He is King over all creation. But, in particular and in His sovereign grace, He is King over His chosen people.

The second part of this account has to do with the other prisoners. Jesus died in the company of others who had actually committed crimes. This was a very low point in Jesus’ humiliation. He who should have been exalted above the greatest king was crucified with the most wretched of men. But even in this, Jesus showed Himself gracious. Jesus redeemed one of those who hung on the edge of eternity: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” What a glorious promise! Jesus would not save Himself, but even as He hung on the cross, He saved another.

Lastly, the Roman guards cast lots for His clothing. There was nothing of significant value in Jesus’ robes. The point is that everything had been taken from Him. The imagery is powerful. Jesus had veiled His glory while on earth. He had taken off His mantle of divine majesty in His humble ministry. Only for a moment, on the mount of transfiguration, did men see His robes shine like the sun. But, besides that moment, His humiliation was indeed great. He took off His garments to wash His disciples’ feet, and here His robes are taken from Him in a most debasing manner. Such was the humiliation of our Lord, the King of kings, who saves sinners.

CORAM DEO

Jeremiah 25–26

2 Timothy 3

How does the humility of Jesus affect you? His kingship was denied, He was condemned with criminals, and everything He owned was taken from Him. How did Jesus respond to this kind of treatment? Do you notice when you are acting prideful? Repent to God and man when you do.

For further study: Matt. 27:32–44 • Mark 15:21–32 • Luke 23:26–43

thursday

october