Two others, who were
criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the
place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals,
one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them,
for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And
the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved
others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The
soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If
you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription
over him, “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:32-38).
Today we gaze upon a most precious and
provoking sight, the humility and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here we
see a clear example of a virtue worthy of imitation by true disciples. As we
journey through this temporal and trying world on our way to our true home in
heaven, we will encounter in various ways the same kind of rejection Christ
endured for us. He took on himself all manner of reproach for our sake. He was
reviled from the lowest to the highest. No one pitied him, no one had
compassion on him, no one comforted him. Instead, egged on by the Jewish rulers,
the crowd raged against him cruelly and without mercy. Yet his goodness was not
overcome by their malice. Nothing could hold him back from the work of our
salvation which he had begun. I fact, every mockery and taunting merely
confirmed His rightful office. His humility in the face of the cruel words and
evil attacks at Golgotha served to confirm that Jesus is the Christ of God… “And
being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point
of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and
bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every
tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians
2:8-11). As we journey through a hostile world and mature in the faith we are
challenged to follow in His footsteps and imitate the humility that
confirmed Christ’s Royalty.
He was settled as chief among
criminals. The rulers sought to denigrate Christ as the leader of
thieves and murderers, but it was God’s sovereignty that placed the Son of Man
at the center of the collapsing worlds of two desperate sinners. True disciples
are called to live among and love the desperate and lost souls of our
generation so they might be prompted to ask us about the reason for the hope
that marks us… “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what
is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be
blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ
the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks
you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and
respect” (1 Peter 3:13-15). Trust Christ to be right there with you in
those tough relationships with those who are not yet saved.
He was stripped of His earthly clothing.
The soldiers sought to disgrace Christ by stripping Him naked, but God
was preparing Him to be clothed with royal, heavenly raiment. What a beautiful
picture of the transformation that awaits every enduring disciple… “For
in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed
by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this
tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we
would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (2
Corinthians 5:2-4). Learn to look past the infirmities and weaknesses of
today and keep focused on the glory that approaches in eternity.
He was saluted as the King of the Jews.
The rulers and soldiers sought to dishonor Christ with a sign that
identified Him as the King of the Jews, but God incited them to proclaim the
eternal truth that Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be the King of all
kings… “which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed
and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).
Let the sign on the cross remind you that Jesus Christ is sovereign over
whatever trial you are facing today.
As we grow up into Christ, we are encouraged and
strengthened whenever we consider…
The Humility that Confirmed Christ’s Royalty.
