Scripture to Read: John 19:19–22
Jesus had stood before Pilate just hours before, and though Pilate feared what he had done, Jesus had made it clear to Pilate that he had no authority over Jesus other than what God the Father had given him. It’s hard to say what went through Pilate's mind, but God had John record this in John 19:19–22: “Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 20 Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’” God used Pilate to proclaim the Truth through what he had inscribed on the placard, for Jesus was, is, and will always be King of the Jews and all others. The religious leaders hated the way the sign was written because they completely denied Jesus to be anything other than a blasphemer against God. Pilate made sure the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. What a great reminder for us today that Jesus will be proclaimed to every tongue, tribe, and nation—that means we must continue to be about God’s call as we live for Christ each day and boldly proclaim Him as King, Master, Savior, Lord, and Friend!
Challenge & Application
• How did God use Pilate to proclaim the truth about Jesus?
• How are you proclaiming the truth about Jesus each day, not only in what you say but in how you’re living?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!