Day 3
Reading: Mark 15:1–32
SOAP: Mark 15:25–27
It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The king of the Jews.” And they crucified two outlaws with him, one on his right and one on his left.”
The Jews wanted a king. Just days before they had praised Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem. Their shouts of “Hosanna!” begged Jesus to save them as only a king could. They wanted Jesus to be their king, yet they rejected and crucified Him. Still, Jesus told Pilate He was King of the Jews.
Jesus had not come to rule, but to save. Instead of demanding honor and authority and position, He humbled Himself. He did not act like the king they imagined, so they rejected Him. They led Him away to be slaughtered like an animal.
The King of the Jews is unlike any king in history. This King suffered for His people. This King humbled Himself, even to the point of death. This King had compassion on those who wronged Him. And this King alone can save. Who is Jesus? He is the king of the Jews. Even more so, He is King of kings. May our lives be nothing but honor and gratitude for our King.
Lord, You are King. You are King of kings and Lord of lords. You alone sacrificed Yourself to save the world. You gave Your life as a sacrifice. I have nothing to give You in return. Help me honor You with my life, for You alone are worthy of honor. In Your name, amen.