Who Is The King of Your Heart?
Scripture Passage: John 19:12-22 (NASB)
12 As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.”
13 Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” 15 So they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”
16 So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified.
17 They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. 18 There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 20 Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”
SUMMARY
Pilate hesitates to sentence Jesus, but the Jews say that if he releases Him, he will be seen as someone who opposes Caesar. Pilate then asks the chief priests, “Shall I crucify your King?” and they reply, “We have no king but Caesar.” Pilate writes an inscription on the cross that says “Jesus the Nazarene, the king of the Jews” in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek so that many who read it will be able to know that Jesus is the true King.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
As I was reflecting on this verse, I was reminded how I often have many “Caesars” in my life. Mini kings that aren’t necessarily bad things, but I give up Jesus as my King in order to please a smaller king, or to look good to others. This can look like having too strong of an identity as a “good daughter” to please my parents, wanting marriage without patience and without first growing in my character and relationship with the Lord, and also just being lazy around the house and not using the time that God has given to me wisely to expand His kingdom. Instead, I do what feels good in the moment or what will bring me instant gratification. I realized I often give too much importance to the smaller parts of my life like relationships, relaxation, security, etc. that affect parts of my life, rather than Jesus who affects my whole life. I am often like the chief priests who pledge allegiance to the wrong king, refusing to see that Jesus is King of all.
APPLICATION
I will recognize the power of Jesus in my life. He is greater and more powerful than people or accomplishments that have influence in this world. A lot of times, I feel forced to choose where my priorities lie, and it often seems like they are on opposing teams — like working more, and spending time with God and reading the Bible, as well as, being “productive” and utilizing my time how I want, or allowing God to show me His timing in my life and being okay with slowing down. If I am aligned with Jesus and recognize Him as King over all areas of my life, I think I would do all things under Him rather than feel a division between my priorities, where I feel forced to choose Jesus or risk peer pressure.
PRAYER
Dear God, I pray that You would strengthen my heart in You and that I would not be so divided in my interests and desires. May I desire to glorify You and I pray that all I do will be unified in You and point back to You and how You loved us on the cross. I pray that You would continue to show me that You are my King and that You are in charge. What You promised will be done and I don’t need to doubt You and wonder what position to give You in my life. Help me to make You the highest priority in my heart. Amen!
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