Who is Your King?

 N. T. #446  “Who is Your King?”

Dec. 18, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus had already had three previous trials in the dark-Anna’s, Caiaphas the high priest, and the Sanhedrin. Jesus was accused of blasphemy since He claimed to be the Messiah. This only made Him guilty of a Jewish law, not an offense against the Roman government.  The Jews could not sentence one to death. Therefore the religious leaders had to take Jesus to trial before Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea. 

Now we read about His fourth trial before Pilate, so pursued a line of questioning. Fist of all, Pilate had to know if Jesus claimed to be the Messiah. So he came right out and asked Jesus directly, 

Art thou the King of the Jews? (verse 2a)

How did Jesus answer? 

Thou safest it. (verse 2b) If you say so is a paraphrase. 

Why didn’t Jesus admit it? 

• To say yes would have put Jesus on the same level as previous false messiahs who stood before Pilate. Pilate needed the opportunity to know Jesus as Savior without dismissing His case.
• Saying yes would have played into Pilate’s preexisting notions and prejudices instead of leading him closer to the truth. 
• To say yes would divert attention from the crucial question: “Whom say you that I am?” (8:29)

[Reference: Swindoll’s Living Insights on Mark]

LLET IT GROW 

Who do you say Jesus is?

If you are new to our study, I invite you to examine the Scriptures.  Everyone needs to answer this question.

Peter answered Jesus, “You are the Christ” (8:29b)

Matthew 16:16 records Peter’s answer as, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living. 

Peter acknowledged the Lord Jesus’ deity. Pilate needed believe Jesus to be the King of the Jews, Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and so do we all.

If you have believed  and trusted Jesus to be your Savior, I rejoice with you.

 Is Jesus the King of your life? Have you surrendered all to Him? During this season we tend to focus on Jesus’ birth instead of His death and resurrection. It all goes together in a wonderful gift God gives us. Are you seeking His love today?

Seek and you shall find.

LET IT GO

Jesus, we love you. Help us know you are near.

Use us to share Your love story with others.

How wonderful You are!