Pilate And The King Of The Jews

The initials INRI represent the Latin inscription, Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum:

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.

Our mission today is to find out what the Scriptures tell us about Pilate and the King of the Jews. However, before we get into that, there are three relevant facts already alluded to in yesterday’s offering, which we need to emphasize. These facts form invaluable context, for our mission.

Pontius Pilate was the governor in the time of Jesus, who had jurisdictional authority to be a judge in the case brought against the Nazarene. Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. John 18: 28a. Now, we also read this. So Pilate came out to them and asked, what charges are you bringing against this man? John 18: 29.

Pontius Pilate saw himself as having singular authority over Jesus’ life and death situation. When Jesus refused to answer his questions, he retorted. Do you refuse to speak to me? Pilate said. Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you? John 19: 10 

Pontius Pilate was not a Jew, as is heard in his proud retort to Jesus, while questioning this Man from Galilee.  Am I a Jew? Pilate replied. It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done? John 18: 35.

With these facts ever present, we go to the Scriptures to tell us more, in fact, a whole lot more, in clarity, as to why Pilate may have felt such a deep urge to make a worded sign like this, to be placed over Jesus’ Head, on the cross.  Here is the inscription again, in bold, shout-out penmanship. JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

We are given privilege to witness a striking scene between Jesus and Pilate. According to Luke, this is what occasioned when the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, were really enraged and totally of one mind to have Jesus dead. Jesus had just admitted in their hearing that He was the Son of God. Having asked Jesus in plain language, Are you the Son of God? Jesus never wavered or hesitated to tell them, You are right in saying I am. Luke 22: 70b. They immediately take Jesus to Pilate and bring charges against Him. And they began to accuse him, saying, We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king. Luke 23: 2. 

They have laid out three indictable charges before Governor Pilate. They are very astute in their shrewdness, these religious men, as they cleverly try to link all Jesus’ trumped up charges to the state, the Government and Roman Rule. 

• He is subverting our nation – anarchy.

• He is opposing paying taxes – disloyalty.

• He is claiming to be Messiah, a King – treachery.

Pilate, who is not a Jew, hears something that holds his interest and he straightway grabs hold of it. He does not let it pass by unnoticed or untouched. These Jewish leaders have accused Jesus as one who, claims to be Christ, a king. Now Christ and Messiah are one and the same. Here are references to support this truth. Jesus is speaking with a Samaritan woman and tells her of the coming of a time, even now, when worship to God will be in Spirit and in truth. The woman said to Jesus, I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes he will explain everything to us. John 4: 25b.

We note with good hearing, the words of Andrew to his brother Simon. Andrew had met Jesus and the first thing he did was to tell his brother Simon. We have found the Messiah (that is, the Christ). John 1: 41b.

Indeed Messiah and Christ are one and the same. Pilate has heard the Jewish hierarchy accuse this Man called Jesus, of claiming to be Messiah, King. Of the three accusations brought before Pilate, he chooses to question Jesus on the one about Sovereignty, being King of the Jews. Thus ensues a direct line of questioning, as Pilate addresses his question to Jesus Himself. So Pilate asked Jesus, Are you the king of the Jews? Luke 23: 3a.

It is Jesus’ response which we want to hear in deeper spiritual depth.