Text: John 19:19. Theme: Behold your King.
“Now
Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS
OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Jesus
Christ was first introduced to the people by John the Baptist as the “Lamb
of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” The conclusion of His life
was betrayed by Pilate the Roman governor in presenting Jesus to the mob who cried
for His death, pilot introduced Jesus as the “King of Kings and the Lord of
Lords.”
More
likely he did not realise fully what he was saying, but God allowed it to be
said. He also wrote it in three separate languages: in Greek, in Latin, and in
Hebrew. Why? Because it would allow all types of people to read what is said
about Jesus Christ.
Just
for a moment I want to explain why the three languages of Greek, Hebrew and
Latin were used:
First: The Greek language
said: “Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.” The Greek
language was the language of culture and science, it was the language of men of
letters and learning. That is why Pilate claimed “Jesus was the King”
over the realm of culture and science.
Secondly: The Latin language
said: “Jesus was the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords.” Latin
was the official language of Rome, the language of civil law and politics of
government of the Roman Empire. Pilate (Roman rule) was saying in one sentence,
“Jesus was the King” over the realm of government.
Thirdly: The Hebrew language
said: “Jesus is King of all Kings, and the Lord of all Lords.” Hebrew
was the national language of Israel; it was the language of the religion of the
One and only true God. It was the language of the law and of the prophets. So,
written it in Hebrew it allowed and proclaimed that “Jesus Christ is the
King” over the realm of religion.
Today’s
culture and education, law and government, religion, and ethics, should offer reverence
and worship to the “King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.”
One. Behold your King in
the realms of eternity John 1:1, 14.
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1 (NKJV).
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” John 1:14
(NKJV).
The
Apostle John tells us of the eternal God, who before time spoke a word and
caused the sun, moon, and stars to exist, clothed Himself in human flesh, and
walked among the face of the earth as a man. Neither His life nor His death
upon the cross was an accident. For before the foundation of the world in the
council of eternity it was ordained that Jesus Christ should be our King.
Two. Behold your King
among the crowds.
A. When Jesus saw the
multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they “fainted,” and
they were scattered abroad, as sheep having “no Shepherd” Matthew 9:36.
When the King stood in the presence of human need and sorrow He was moved with
sympathy, and His eyes were a fountain of tears. He did not turn His ears or His
eyes away from the needs and troubles of the world.
B. Christ was deeply
moved by the spiritual depression of the people. As it says, “they fainted.”
C. The Kingly Christ was
deeply disturbed by the spiritual destiny of people. “they were scattered
abroad as sheep having no Shepherd.”
D. The Kingly Christ seeks,
and saves with a shepherd’s heart those lost today. “Because He is the same
yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8.
Three. Behold your King
upon the Cross of Calvary.
A. Now we come to the
central purpose of Jesus coming into this world “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” Mark 10:45.
B. At the Cross the
seriousness of sin is disclosed.
C. At
the Cross the justice of God is revealed.
D. At
the Cross the love of God is demonstrated.
E. At
the Cross of Calvary our sins were suffered for, 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians
5:21;1 Peter 1:18-19.
F. At
the Cross of Calvary, we see the basic of God’s hope for a redeemed people. He
has no other plan. Here man makes the decision that determines his/her own
eternal destiny.
Conclusion:
I would encourage you
this Good Friday, to make Jesus Christ your Lord and King. Let the Lord of
indescribable love become the master of your heart. Behold
your King!
