Christ the King

Jesus died for our sins. He suffered and was hung on a cross to die, just like a criminal. While the circumstances of His death seem very far from how we imagine a king being treated, Jesus is the King of kings.

Jesus’ ministry was coming to a close. He was facing the very thing that He had set out to do all along — to take the world’s sins upon Himself and save us all. Jesus spent His last three years preaching, performing miracles, healing, and challenging legalistic religious leaders. His focus was clear: He is the only way to true life.

The place called the Skull, or Golgotha, was a hill outside of Jerusalem. It was here that Romans publicly executed criminals. Two other criminals were placed on either side of Jesus to be executed as well.

Two disciples, James and John, had previously questioned Jesus about who would have the honored places on either side of Him (Mark 10:35-39), and Jesus said He didn’t know what they meant. Though at Golgotha, as Jesus was saving the world, the places on His right and left were filled by criminals. Jesus had explained to James and John that those who wanted to be close to Jesus needed to accept suffering.

As Jesus was dying, He asked God the Father to forgive His killers — Jewish leaders, Roman leaders and soldiers, and bystanders. Out of His great love, God said yes. He extends forgiveness to all who will turn from their sin and believe.

The sign the Romans placed near Jesus was not meant to honor Him. Here was a man, stripped of His clothes and dignity, who looked nothing like royalty. The Romans were mocking Him, calling Him the King of the Jews. But that was just who He was.

The two criminals on either side of Jesus display how the world responds to Him. Our works won’t save us. It’s only through believing in Jesus that we can be saved. Some will choose Jesus, and others will reject Him.

God consistently displays how He provides for our every need. He wants us to see and remember how He provides and trust Him more and more each day.

What Does a King Look Like?

“Jesus said to them, ‘Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.’” (Mark 6:4)

When you hear the word king, what images come to mind? Take a moment to ponder how you would describe a king.

You possibly thought of kings as portrayed in fairy tale movies, castles, noble characters, strong militaries, wise decisions, and healthy kingdoms. Rarely when we think of a king do we also think of words like rejection, insult, dishonor, sneering, mocking, or execution.

Jesus did everything differently than expected. He challenged the religious leaders. He spoke of a new life full of a new relationship. His way of saving the world was also different than expected. This King took on a lowly and undeserved position of a criminal and died for the world’s sins.

Did Jesus’ unexpected portrayal make Him any less of a King? Of course not. He was God, Immanuel, Bread of Life, Son of God, Good Shepherd, Holy Servant, Judge, King of kings, Redeemer, Savior, and the Way. Let us remember these powerful words whenever He does something unexpected in our lives.

Jesus is King, and He still carries out His will in unexpected ways in our lives. Rather than doubting Him when things don’t go as we planned, let us hold steadfastly to who Jesus is and trust His way.

Dear God, thank You for Your plan of salvation. You endured such persecution, pain, suffering, and death…all because of me. I don’t deserve to be saved, just as You didn’t deserve to die.

Thank You for loving me in such a deep and profound way. In Jesus’ name, amen.