Luke 23:38 – “There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Extended Explanation
As Jesus hung on the cross, a sign was placed above Him declaring the charge against Him: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This sign was meant to mock both Jesus and the Jewish people. From the perspective of the Roman authorities, it was a public statement that anyone who challenged Rome’s rule as a self-proclaimed king would face death. To the Jewish leaders, it was further humiliation because they rejected Jesus as their king.
However, there is a deeper, ironic truth in this sign. What the soldiers and authorities meant as ridicule was actually a declaration of reality. Jesus is indeed the King of the Jews, but His kingship goes beyond political power. He is the King not just of Israel but of all creation. His kingdom is spiritual and eternal, established not by force but through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Historical Context
During Roman crucifixions, it was common to place a sign above the condemned person, listing the crime for which they were being executed. The sign was often written in multiple languages so that anyone passing by would understand the warning. In John 19:20, we learn that the sign above Jesus was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek, the major languages of the region, ensuring that everyone present would see and understand it.
Pilate, the Roman governor, ordered this sign to be written, possibly to mock the Jewish leaders who had insisted on Jesus’ crucifixion. The Jewish leaders were offended by the wording and asked Pilate to change it to say, “This man claimed to be king of the Jews,” but Pilate refused (John 19:21-22). This interaction shows that Pilate, though complicit in Jesus’ death, did not take the religious leaders’ accusations seriously and may have been making a statement about their internal conflict.
The phrase “King of the Jews” carried political weight. The Romans feared any claim to kingship that could incite rebellion against their rule, and the Jewish leaders used this fear to convince Pilate to have Jesus executed. However, Jesus’ kingship was not a threat to Rome—it was a fulfillment of God’s promise to establish a spiritual kingdom.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the central truth of the Gospel: Jesus is King, not just of the Jews, but of all people. His kingdom is not built on military conquest or political power but on grace, truth, and love. Through His death on the cross, Jesus established a kingdom that offers salvation to all who believe in Him.
The sign above Jesus also reflects humanity’s tendency to reject God’s authority. The religious leaders rejected Jesus because He did not fit their expectations of what a king should be. Instead of recognizing His spiritual authority, they sought to eliminate Him. This rejection of Jesus as King is symbolic of the broader rejection of God’s rule in human hearts.
Yet, even in their rejection, God’s plan was being fulfilled. The very act of crucifying Jesus was part of His mission to bring salvation. His death, meant to be a moment of defeat, was actually a victory that demonstrated His kingship over sin and death.
Literary Analysis
The placement of the sign above Jesus’ head is significant, both symbolically and narratively. In the literary structure of the crucifixion account, the sign serves as a constant reminder of the ironic truth—that the man being executed is the true King. Luke includes this detail to highlight the contrast between human perception and divine reality.
The sign also serves as a form of dramatic irony. The readers know that Jesus truly is the King of the Jews and the Savior of the world, but the people mocking Him do not understand this truth. Luke’s inclusion of the sign invites readers to reflect on the nature of Jesus’ kingship and to consider how His kingdom defies human expectations.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 18:36 – Jesus tells Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world, indicating that His kingship is spiritual, not political.
- John 19:19-22 – Pilate orders the sign to be written, and the Jewish leaders object to its wording.
- Isaiah 9:6-7 – A prophecy about the Messiah’s eternal kingdom, which will be established with justice and righteousness.
- Psalm 2:6-8 – God’s declaration that His chosen King will rule over the nations.
- Revelation 17:14 – Jesus is described as the “Lord of lords and King of kings,” who will ultimately triumph over all opposition.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, this verse is a reminder to recognize Jesus as the true King in their lives. His kingdom is not about earthly power or wealth but about surrendering to His authority and living according to His Word. Believers are called to acknowledge Jesus not just as their Savior but as their Lord, trusting Him to rule over every area of their lives.
This verse also challenges Christians to think about how they respond to God’s authority. Just as the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers rejected Jesus’ kingship, people today can resist His rule when it doesn’t align with their desires or expectations. Faith involves submitting to Jesus as King, even when His ways are different from our own.
Additionally, this verse reminds Christians of the hope and security they have in Jesus’ kingdom. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but Jesus’ kingdom is eternal. His victory on the cross ensures that those who follow Him will share in His eternal reign.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the fact that Jesus, the King of kings, humbled Himself to be mocked, rejected, and crucified for the sake of sinners. His willingness to endure humiliation demonstrates the depth of His love and the lengths to which He was willing to go to provide salvation. Even as the sign mocked His kingship, Jesus remained focused on His mission to rescue humanity.
God’s love is also seen in His patience and grace. Despite humanity’s rejection of His Son, God offers forgiveness and salvation to all who repent and believe. The sign above Jesus serves as a reminder that God’s plan is not thwarted by human rejection—in fact, He uses it to accomplish His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly points to Jesus’ identity as the King of the Jews and, ultimately, the King of all creation. His death on the cross, though meant to be a sign of defeat, was actually the fulfillment of God’s plan to establish an eternal kingdom. Jesus’ kingship is central to the Gospel message—He is the promised Messiah who reigns with justice, mercy, and grace.
The sign also connects to Jesus’ role as the suffering servant. His path to kingship involved humiliation and suffering, but it ultimately led to glory and victory. His resurrection proved that His kingdom is eternal and that His authority cannot be taken away.
- Philippians 2:8-11 – Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross, and God exalted Him to the highest place, where every knee will bow to Him.
- Colossians 1:13-14 – Through Jesus, believers are transferred into His kingdom and experience redemption and forgiveness.
- Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever.”
- Daniel 7:13-14 – A prophecy about the Son of Man receiving an everlasting kingdom.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Pilate insisted on keeping the sign that said “King of the Jews” above Jesus?
- How does this verse challenge you to recognize Jesus as King in your own life?
- What does this verse teach you about the difference between earthly kingdoms and Jesus’ spiritual kingdom?
- How can you live in a way that reflects your loyalty to Jesus as your King?
- How does knowing that Jesus’ kingdom is eternal give you hope and confidence in uncertain times?