John 19

“’We have no king but Caesar,’ the chief priests answered” (15). Jesus had taught openly in the temple about God’s kingdom, and his miracles and words demonstrated that he was God’s Messiah. He fulfilled Israel’s prophecies but in surprising ways: elevating the poor, healing on the Sabbath, befriending women, telling Samaritans the good news. The religious leaders knew that Jesus’ Way threatened their own status and autonomy. If Jesus is King, we are not.

“He claimed to be the Son of God” (7). God’s Son lived in the world in ways that did not fit human expectations. He calls us to give up our false views of God and self and to receive him: our Savior and true King.