This Is the King of the Jews

Jesus arrives at the Place of the Skull to be crucified alongside two condemned criminals. The charge brought against him is inscribed on a sign—"this is the king of the Jews." While such words were meant to mock both Jesus and the Jews (such was Pilate's ways), they reveal the ultimate truth of the occasion. Jesus is the sovereign priest-king of the cosmos and he will rule his people with compassion (even though he will not let his enemies escape judgment). Meanwhile, the men hanging to his left and right embody the only two responses to Jesus's kingdom. One sides with the world and persists in prideful unbelief; the other sides with Christ and displays a humble trust that leads to eternal life. One dies with a greater judgment awaiting him; the other with a robust assurance of grace and life. May we learn what faith and faithfulness looks like as we consider our response to the King of the Jews and his self-giving sacrifice!