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The King of the Jewsby Wayne Blank "Pilate said to Him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Every one who is of the Truth hears My voice." (John 18:37 RSV) "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" As He hung on the cross (see Crosses), a sign was fastened above the head of Jesus Christ, written in 3 languages (Hebrew, Latin, and Greek). All 4 of the Gospel writers include this, although, as can be naturally expected from 4 independent witnesses, their wording insignificantly varies from "This is Jesus the King of the Jews" to "The King of the Jews" to "This is the King of the Jews" to "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."
"And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments [see Clothing In Bible Times] among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over Him there. And over His head they put the charge against Him, which read, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews." (Matthew 27:35-37 RSV) Mark:
"And they crucified Him, and divided His garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour, when they crucified Him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." (Mark 15:24-26 RSV) Luke:
"And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide His garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save himself, if He is The Christ of God, His Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up and offering Him vinegar, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" There was also an inscription over Him, "This is the King of the Jews." (Luke 23:34-38 RSV) John:
"There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. The chief priests of the Jews then said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'This man said, I am King of the Jews.'" Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." (John 19:18-22 RSV)
Fact Finder: Jesus Christ will be the King of the Jews as He plainly answered in a specific question, but will His Kingship extend over all of humanity i.e. will He be the "King of kings and Lord of lords" of all the earth?
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