The Languages

The initials INRI represent the Latin inscription, Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.

As we come to the end of this most interesting, informative and inclusive week, we continue to seek wisdom and to be lifted in our Lord’s Sacrificial Love for all. Here is a reminder of our text.

Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. John 19: 20

The text was divided into three chunky sections and we conclude with the third and final division.

Section 3

The sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.

Great wisdom is seen in the use of these different tongues - Aramaic, Latin, Greek – common languages. These three languages were the tongues spoken or understood by all the people. Pilate made sure that what he had written on the cross of that dead Man, of so much controversy, was understood by all who passed by, but more so by the Jews. It was with deliberate intention and defying order, that he used this means. Why defying order? I say that because he knew that the high religious council would not appreciate such a sign that was so accessible to the public. In fact, John informs us that the chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, Do not write King of the Jews, but that this man claimed to be the king of the Jews. John 19: 21.

Don’t you see, can’t you but see just how Pilate took on a semblance, a shadow if you please, of the defiance of Jesus the Nazarene, who once stood before him? Do you see how Pilate is no longer bothered by what the Jewish hierarchy want or do not want, what pleases them or does not please them? Have you noticed that these religious men of high standing, no longer are able to manipulate Pilate to do as they wish? Enough is enough! Pilate, like the Man he witnessed, who stood His ground before venomous dissidents and destructive, oppositional resistance, stands his ground.

Can’t you just hear Pilate, determined in his mind to win this one, say, not with anger, rage or hostility of dismissal, but with calm, authority, these most memorable words? Yes, unmoved, quiet and with firm authority, Pilate answered, What I have written, I have written. John 19: 22 

 Pilate ensured that the place where Jesus hung on the cross, that outside place, was used to full advantage. Pilate saw to it that not one person would pass by, see the notice or sign and remain ignorant of what it said. These three languages would have been spoken by the well-educated scholars of the day. We look at Paul, for example, where reference is made to him fluently speaking to a crowd in Aramaic. When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Acts 22: 2a. 

We know that he is a citizen of Rome, as he admits to the commander of the Roman army who wanted to know whether or not Paul, the prisoner, was a citizen of Rome. The commander went to Paul and asked, Tell me, are you a Roman citizen? Yes I am he answered. Act 22: 27. It is not unlikely therefore that Paul, as a Roman citizen, and a scholar of distinction, spoke, Latin, the official language of Rome. He knew Greek and spoke Greek, as is cited in Acts 21: 37. As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, May I say something to you? Do you speak Greek, he replied? Was the commander surprised to hear Paul speak to him in Greek? Here is a public announcement made by Paul himself. I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in the city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers. Acts 22: 3a. If he were a scholar under Gamaliel, he would have to be fluent in Greek also.

This profile of Paul is not uncommon for Jews of learning and distinction of that era, to speak those languages.

Pilate ensured that educated folk could read his high and lifted up sign, above the Nazarene's Head.

Aramaic was the grassroots language of the Jews. It was the dialect which the ordinary folks spoke, the language near to the heart, if you like. This was the dialect the common folk spoke fluently and confidently. This is made most clear in Mary Magdalene, when Jesus appears to her. Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, Rabboni! (which means Teacher). John 20: 16.  Heart language, first dialect, spontaneous tongue, is Aramaic. Pilate made the message on the cross, available to all. All can read and understand in his or her own tongue. This is not unlike what we see on the streets of some countries, for example, Canada. Signs are posted in French and English so that motorists can understand what one needs to know, as one journeys along. One’s language is not a problem.

Recently I heard and saw a Fijian minister of religion delivering a sermon. I had never seen it done this way before. He spoke in his native tongue and in English. He would make a point in the language of the common people and then he would repeat it in English. He ensured that, using different tongues, all who had come to hear the Word of the Lord, would not just hear but hear and understand.

Pilate ensured that the ordinary folks could read and understand his high and lifted up sign, above the Nazarene's Head.  

By using these three tongues, Pilate has removed problems of people passing by, not being able to read and understand what the sign states.

The Place of the cross ensures full view to all who have eyes to see. Nothing hinders sight here. It matters not who one is, publican or priest, the cross of Christ is for all and sundry to view, no restrictions and no limitations. All who pass by, have restriction-less freedom, to view.

The message of the sign on the cross, is specifically written in full understanding of all who read it. Nothing hinders understanding here. It matters not which language one speaks or does not speak, the words on the cross of Christ are for all and sundry to read, with no restrictions and no limitations. All who pass by, have restriction-less information at their disposal.

Pause! Has Sovereign God used the sign made by a Gentile, to bring in His Kingdom? Truth be told, even today, in cathedrals and churches where crucifixes stand or hang, JESUS CHRIST, THE KING OF THE JEWS, is public for all. Who knows how many have come to know Christ through this sign?

As we conclude, does not the wisdom of the different languages on the sign, remind you of Pentecost?