(This passage is also referenced in Mark 15:21-32, Luke23:26-43 and John 19:17-27)
It is interesting to note that both at the very beginning (Matthew 2:2) and at the end of his life here on earth, Jesus is given the title ‘King of the Jews’ in Jerusalem. Even today, there is a spiritual question that hovers over this ancient city that causes battles and counter-claims. Who is the King on God’s holy hill, who will you worship?
All four Gospels in today’s readings, refer to the notice that is fixed to the cross, supposedly announcing his ‘crime’. But, it is John’s Gospel that gives us the most detail. (John 19:19-22) It is Pilate himself that makes this happen despite the protestations of the High Priests who want to change it to ‘claimed to be.’ It is also written in the three most prominent languages of the time. Hebrew - the language of the people of Israel (the Jewish world), Latin- the official language of the Roman Empire, and Greek - the most widely-known language of the time (due to the spread of Hellenistic culture). Pilate seems to want to make sure there is no misunderstanding about the words he has written over Jesus.
“Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews.”
What a prophetic statement Pilate is making! Not only is he proclaiming Jesus’ true identity to all who are watching, but these words will also be broadcast through time and cultures as artists include the sign in their crucifixion paintings. Some paintings use the abbreviation INRI - an acronym of the Latin version of the full title described by John: IESUS NAZARENUS REX IOUDAEORM.
The first part reminds us that Jesus really lived as a man, in a specific location, at a specific time. He grew up in a regular Jewish family in the beautiful hills around Galilee. Nazareth was his hometown, he was known. The second part refers to his mission. Not a King of the Jews but THE King of the Jews/The King of Israel. This is a claim to be the Anointed One (translated into Hebrew and Greek respectively as Messiah and Christ). He came to fulfil all the promises spoken by the prophets to the children of Israel, recorded faithfully in the Hebrew scriptures. His life and death would bring salvation not only to the Jewish people but also to the whole world. As prophesied, he will reign on the throne of David forever and ever as THE King.
Take a moment to think about the notice fixed to the cross. As you read the words, imagine Jesus is asking you: “Who do you say I am?”