It Is What It Is

John 19:19-22

Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews."'"

Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."


I guess I'm surprised there weren't additional words here stating, ...So this was done that it might be fulfilled which had been spoken... (Matthew 1:22, Luke 24:44, Romans 1:2)

The priests were in charge in the Old Testament; Israel wanted a king. So God gave them earthly kings. Yes, God's hand was in it. His hand is in everything even today. And some know what happens when mere man wants all the control, when God is removed from the picture. Look at today's news.

Pilate had no idea he was adding to the prophetic word of Christ, our Prince of Peace, our Righteousness, our all in all, name above all names. To him and the Jewish priests He was only a Man who dared call Himself the Son of God. And...He did not speak up for Himself, allowed Himself to die. Wouldn't that just add to the Jewish priests' argument?

The Jews knew they would someday have their Messiah. They looked for an earthly one to defeat their enemies. They still awaited Him. And there He stood before them. They didn't know He would save them from a spiritual enemy. They conspired to sentence Him to death and let a thief be set free. All throughout their religious writings they had, and still have, been told about this Messiah. Yet they could not see Him for the Man He claimed to be. How amazing is that? He came across to them as arrogant, blaspheming God at the pronouncement that He was the Son of God, even greater, I AM, God Himself. He came for His people and His people would not have Him. (He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. (‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭10-11‬)

We have all these stories behind us and sometimes we miss the mark too. We do not believe He is all He says He can be. Like the Jews, we look to a man to save us from our enemy. And our enemy is lurking as close as in our country, waiting to strike. Not only does our adversary use our own temptations, idols, sin, but evil people. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1Peter 5:8,6-7)

The Jews wanted Pilate to change the wording. They were adamant they had never said He was THE King of the Jews. Another slap in their face...what people would think? But Pilate in essence said, it is what it is.

What was written was written. And it was the truth. People, the message is no different today. Jesus is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. He is the only way to eternal life. Without honest, strong acknowledgment of Him and trust in Him over a human means eternal death. Let Him be the King He is in your life. Do not be like these men and cast Him aside. Embrace Him. He died for all of us. These priests missed it. I pray you don't miss it either.  "...there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬) Jesus should know!

Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭25-27 - Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.