A Cross for a King?

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This is a sermon that ties the events of the Triumphal Entry with the crucifixion. It emphasizes the need for disciples of Jesus Christ to be willing to take up their cross to follow Him.

Written Excerpts:

John 19:19 (NKJV) Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Introduction:

I am sure that the Scripture reading this morning was a familiar story to nearly everyone here. We know all about the Lord’s ride into Jerusalem on the donkey. We are familiar with the way the people laid down their garments and palm branches in the path where Jesus was traveling. We have read the accounts of people shouting praises to the Lord as he rode into the city.

We know from the description given in the Gospels that at least some of the people were apparently “connecting the dots” between Jesus’ actions and the words of the OT prophets concerning the Messiah. They apparently recognized that His actions were a fulfillment of specific prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, and they began to cry out “Hosanna” – “Save we pray.” They hoped that this miracle-working prophet would be the God-sent deliverer to rescue them from the oppression of their enemies. Surely He must be the new king sent from God for the salvation of Israel.

But let’s go back even farther into the story of Jesus’ life. In the Gospel record of Jesus’ birth, we read even then of various people who made reference to the title of “king” in connection with the new baby born in Bethlehem. Remember the words of the Wise Men who traveled from the East. When they arrived in Judea, they went to the current king, King Herod, and asked, “Where is he that is born king of the Jews?”

Although the title of “King” is not a title that Jesus used for himself, we know from all that Scripture teaches that He truly was a king and still is the King of kings today.

All of us who are familiar with the Scriptures remember that it was only a few days later when some of these same people who had hailed Him as a king and deliverer and savior are now railing instead if hailing. They are now crying out for His execution rather than for His salvation from their oppressors.

The title that I have chosen for the message is offered in the form of a question: “A cross for a king?”

How unfitting or unseemly for a king to be placed on a cross!

For the rest of our time today, I want to explore just two main thoughts for your consideration and reflection.

I. Jesus really was a king.
II. Jesus willing accepted His cross.

I. Jesus really was a king.

I’ve already mentioned how the Wise Men said they were looking for the one who was “born king of the Jews.” Even Simeon and Anna, the two saints in the temple who saw Jesus as a baby, made statements that indicated they knew He was the Messiah; even though they didn’t actually use the word “king.”

I’ve also mentioned the behavior of the people as Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem. I’ve pointed out how their comments and shouts indicated their awareness that He was fulfilling prophecy from the OT (esp. Zech 9:9) and at least some of them believed that He was the King that God had promised so long ago.

Going on through the events of the arrest and trial of Jesus, we find many more references to the title of King. His accusers told Pilate that He claimed to be King of the Jews. (Lk. 23:1)

Pilate asks Him if He is King. Three of the Gospel writers simply record, “It is as you say.” John goes into more detail regarding Jesus' answer. 

John 18:34-37 (NKJV) ³⁴ Jesus answered him, "Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?"
³⁵ Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?" ³⁶ Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."
³⁷ Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king.

Jesus acknowledges that He is a King, but His present kingdom is not of this world.

Pilate refers to Jesus as King of the Jews several times as recorded by all four Gospel writers.

Pilate puts inscription over Jesus’ head on the cross, “King of the Jews.”

Pilate refuses to change it when Jews tell him to write, “He said he was king of the Jews.”

Rev. 19:16 “… a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

All that we have been saying points to the fact that Jesus Christ truly was a king. But, he was not just A king, He was THE King; THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

II. Jesus willing accepted His cross.

Certainly, all down through history, there have been other legitimate kings that have died horrible deaths; some may have even been crucified. Yet, this one is different. He was not helpless. He could have avoided the cross. He could have overcome all of His enemies.

“He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set him free.”

Death on a cross was considered the worst kind of execution a person could suffer. Yet, here Jesus was, a King headed to the cross – the fate of the worst kind of criminal.

He knew in his heart and mind that the cross was necessary for the salvation of the world. He knew that he must accept the cross in order to save the human race. He willing accepted his cross and his death, so that you and I could live.

Conclusion:

This brings me to the concluding thought that has been on my mind these last several days.

If Jesus, the truly legitimate King of kings and Lord of lords, willingly accepted His cross and surrendered His own will, His comforts and even His life, then how much more should I be willing to do the same?

“The disciple is not above His master.”

Jesus told His disciples at various times, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.”

take his cross. This is to obey and identify with Jesus even unto death, not simply to bear some particular burden imposed by the Lord. (The Reformation Study Bible.)

Jesus uses the phrase anticipatively, in view of the death which he himself was to die. This was one of those sayings described in John 12:16, which the disciples understood not at the first, but the meaning of which was revealed in the light of later events. The figure itself was borrowed from the practice which compelled criminals to bear their own cross to the place of execution…. (Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament.)

The cross was an instrument of violent and painful execution. To “take the cross” was to carry the horizontal beam of the cross out to the site of execution, generally past a jeering mob. In rhetorically strong terms, Jesus describes what all true disciples must be ready for: if they follow him, they must be ready to face literal scorn and death, for they must follow to the cross. (The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament.)

In our Wednesday night Bible study, we have been studying about spiritual disciplines, which essentially addresses the issue of “denying ourselves” in order to follow Christ more closely.

Taking up the cross is another issue. It is a supreme willingness and determination to obey and follow Christ even to the point of death; whether the “death” is spiritually to our own selfish will or literally and physically dying for our faith.

This week is often referred to in Church History as Holy Week. It reminds us of the path that Jesus took the last few days leading up to His crucifixion. As we contemplate what He has done for us, let us re-commit ourselves to be His disciples even to the point of scorn, persecution and death.

Jesus said, “Whoever will lose his life for my sake and the gospel, the same shall save it.”

Let us close our service by singing the hymn:

In the Cross of Christ I Glory  # 328