How Ironic

Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgatha). Here they crucified Him, and with Him two others - one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.

John 19:16-19

This sign was meant to be ironic. A king, stripped nearly naked and executed in public view, and obviously lost his kingdom forever. But Jesus, who turns the world's wisdom upside down, was just coming into His kingdom. His death and resurrection would strike the death blow of Satan's rule and would establish Jesus' eternal authority over the earth. Few people reading the sign that bleak afternoon understood its real meaning, but the sign was absolutely true. All was not lost. Jesus was the king of the Jews-and the Gentiles, and the whole universe. Here is where the price was paid for our pardon, but everyone of us individually must acknowledge it was our sin that caused it before the pardon is valid.

God bless you,

J.H.