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King of the Jews

By: John Reiter

Posted: May 18, 2021

Category: Daily Devotional

Names of Christ: Who Do You Say That I Am?

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”

Matthew 2:1-2

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.”

Mark 15:1-2

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 23:36-38

King of the Jews was a name given to Jesus by others. It was a name given to highlight his authority over the people of Israel. It was one that was used by those who sought to praise and honor him at his birth and by those who mocked him at his death. Words are powerful. They can lift people up just as easily as they can cut with cruelty.

What are the names and words that you use for others? What are the names you use to praise and lift up others? What are those terms of endearment that you use for those you love? On the other side of that coin, what are the words you use for those you don’t like? What are the names you use for those you disagree with or those you look down on?

God calls us to love one another as we are loved by God. It’s just that simple, but it is just that hard.

May we take some time today to think about how we talk to and about others. May we seek to answer God’s call to love one another, even those we don’t like. May we pray for the courage to speak the truth in love. May we glorify God in all that we say and do.

Prayer

Loving God, strengthen us to show Your love to all whom we encounter. Guide us to choose to use words that support and encourage others. We thank You for loving us no matter what. In Your name we pray, Amen.