King of the Jews: Mark 15:22-26
“22) Then they *brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23) They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. 24) And they *crucified Him, and *divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. 25) It was the third hour when they crucified Him. 26) The inscription of the charge against Him read, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”” Mark 15:22-26
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a confirmed fact of history. It fulfilled multiple Old Testament prophesies. It was recorded in both secular and sacred history. He lived among men and died on a Roman cross. ‭‭ The place where Jesus was crucified was called “Golgotha.” It means: “Place of a Skull.” It was a place of death.
Hebrews 2:9 says; ““But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” He was the true Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
The charge against Him was simply; “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews.” (John 19:19-20) It was written in three languages; Hebrew, Latin and Greek. No matter where the visitors in Jerusalem came from, it is probable they could understand one of those three languages.
Meanwhile, the soldiers cast lots for His garments. (Mark 15:24) This was an exact fulfillment of Psalm 22:18. Let me quote the entire context; “14) I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. 15) My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death. 16) For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. 17) I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18) They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.” (Psalms‬ ‭22‬:‭14‬-‭18‬) The prophetic fulfillment of the crucifixion now becomes clear.
There is no excuse for anyone willing to do minimal historical digging to deny the birth, life, public ministry and crucifixion of Jesus Christ as an authentic historical figure. These are based on historical facts and not faith.
The only question that remains:“Was Jesus Christ the Son of God? Another way of asking the same question: “Is John 3:16-17 true?” It says; ““16) For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17) For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
What you do with Jesus Christ becomes a matter of personal faith. You can believe in Him or you can deny Him. You can invite Him into your life by personal saving faith, or you can reject Him.
Either way, because you are a sinner, your sins need to be paid for in full. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Sin is a crime punishable by death. (Romans 6:23) You can either accept Jesus Christ by faith as the substitute payment for your sin, or spend eternity paying for your own sin.
This turns the story of Jesus Christ into a very personal matter. You cannot remain neutral! Four historical gospels were written to tell the story.
His story has also been told in countless other historical documents, books, sermons, teachings, songs, poetry and various forms of art. His story has been translated into hundreds of languages and told countless times around the world. He has impacted people from every walk of life, social status, language, age and gender. He has shaped the course of human history and society more than any other historical figure.
To reject Jesus Christ is either willful ignorance, moral blindness, philosophical bias, demonic deception or plain stupidity. It might be a combination of all of the above.
But some argue that “Faith is a personal matter.” I agree. One day you will stand before God and personally give an account for what you have done with Jesus Christ. At that moment, it will be very personal! It will be you standing alone face to face with God answering for your life.
The sign over my life and my personal testimony is very similar to the one hanging at Golgotha. It reads: “Jesus Christ; my Savior, Master, Lord and King.” He has changed my life!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global Sent from my iPhone