John 19:1-16a
“We have no King, but Caesar.” John 19:15 (NRSVUE)
Jesus as Lord, as Messiah, as King was highly political language in its time and context. These titles tell us something about the way of Jesus and the kingdom of God. For one, it tells us that the way of Jesus is a challenge.
It’s a challenge to what we see as power.
A challenge to the expectations and pressures of the world.
A challenge to the ideas of what we think we know is right, or true, or from God.
When’s the last time you’ve been challenged?
The family that just received a life-changing medical diagnosis for their child?
Learning that there might be more to faith than what you were taught as a child?
Doubtful of your decisions in life?
Through these challenges, what remains? What stays true?
We hear from Jesus to Pilate, “You have no power over me..." John 19:11 (NRSVUE)
And, we hear from the religious leaders and crowds to crucify Jesus. They go on to say, “We have no King, but Caesar.”
And Jesus is condemned to die.
Somewhere in the messy, ugly, chaotic events of power, politics, and people, Jesus is still king.
What remains? What stays true?
Jesus is still king.
That is to say, God reveals God’s power and way through Jesus, who dies.
Jesus, who gives up his life. Jesus, who loves us to the point of death. Jesus, who though no one has power over him, humbles himself to serve others. Jesus, who challenges our perspectives and ideas of what a king really looks like.
Jesus, God with us.
Questions for Reflection:
- How has your faith challenged how you see your life, others, or this world?
- What does God reveal through the death of Jesus?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Open our eyes and hearts to your way of love and service.
Be with us in our challenges.
Amen.
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