And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.
Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
I have always found this passage to be a microcosm of God does in His Word.
There was a declaration from an authority
Pilate ordered that it be written above the cross, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. All at the crucifixion were inclined to read what is the absolute truth. Jesus of Nazareth is, indeed, the King of the Jews.
That Pilate would be questioned whether God would speak through him is a parallel to those who question God’s use of Daniel, for instance, whom many say could not have written the prophecies he did. God can speak through the mouth of an ass or a heathen such as Nebuchadnezzar. In this instance, he chose to use Pilate.
There was an attempt to alter the declaration
Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Every version of the Bible, other than the King James Version, attempts subtle but significant changes, especially concerning the deity and person of Christ.
The was an utter refusal to bend on the Word
Though Pilate was “backed in a corner” concerning the crucifixion – the Jews had put him in a place he could hardly refuse their insistence of His death, he would not bend on his message.[1]
I would suggest that, if the message of Christ is softened, then the cross of Christ is rendered useless. To tell the story of Christ, but to tell it tempered tones, is to tell it as a lie. I think we are seeing today, at least in part, the fruit of professing Christians, coming service after service, or devotion after devotion and reading from a so-called Bible with a softened message.
Christians ought to be gracious but must be unbending about the Bible.
[1] If the salvation of souls was to be effected, the crucifixion of Jesus was a must. But God is unwilling to yield on His message.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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