Jesus, Our Crucified King

Have you ever met someone who loved the idea of leadership more than the responsibility that comes with it? Leadership isn’t about perks—it's about responsibility, sacrifice, and serving others. And in John 18–19, we meet a group of leaders who loved power but refused responsibility. Standing in the middle of their political maneuvering is Jesus, the true King, making His way to the cross—not grasping for power, but laying His life down for sinners.

This passage reveals four truths about King Jesus, and why you can trust Him with your life.

1. Jesus Is a King With a Different Kind of Kingdom (John 18:33–40)

When Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?”, he wasn’t looking for spiritual truth—he was looking for political threats. But Jesus didn’t respond like a revolutionary trying to overthrow Rome. He explained:

“My kingdom is not of this world.”

Jesus wasn’t establishing a government; He was establishing a people. His kingdom isn’t built by force but through the transforming power of the gospel. And every time someone believes in Jesus, the kingdom grows—not by violence or politics, but by truth and grace.

Pilate didn’t know what to do with Jesus. He found no guilt in Him, yet the crowd demanded the release of Barabbas—a murderer—over the innocent Son of God. They rejected the true King, yet His kingdom continues advancing today through His followers.

2. Jesus Is a King Who Is Mocked, Yet Fully Divine (John 19:1–11)

Jesus was beaten, crowned with thorns, and draped in a mock robe. Soldiers laughed and shouted, “Hail, King of the Jews!” What irony—the only true King being mocked by those He created.

And yet, Jesus remained silent. Isaiah 53 had foretold that He would be like a lamb led to the slaughter, opening not His mouth. Even as Pilate boasted of his authority, Jesus reminded him:

“You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”

The One standing bloodied before Pilate was the divine Son of God. He wasn’t powerless—He was purposeful.

3. Jesus Is a Rejected King (John 19:12–16)

Pilate tried to release Jesus, but the religious leaders backed him into a political corner:

“Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

In fear of losing his position under Emperor Tiberius, Pilate caved. The religious leaders went even further, declaring:

“We have no king but Caesar.”

Think about that. The people God had called His own—the ones who were supposed to recognize their Messiah—rejected Him outright.

And still today, many reject Jesus because following Him costs something. But every false king—success, comfort, politics, self-rule—eventually collapses. Only Jesus remains.

4. Jesus Is a Crucified King (John 19:17–22)

Jesus carried His cross outside the city to Golgotha, a place where criminals died in agony and shame. Crucifixion wasn’t just execution—it was humiliation. And above Jesus’ head hung the sign Pilate wrote to irritate the Jews:

“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

Written in Aramaic, Greek, and Latin—it was a worldwide announcement of the truth, even if Pilate didn’t realize it. The King had come—yet not with a sword, but with a cross.

Jesus didn’t save Himself so He could save us.

Following the King Who Went to the Cross

James and John once asked Jesus for positions of honor—seats of power in His kingdom. But when Jesus was lifted up, the “two places beside Him” were crosses, not thrones.

Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

To follow Jesus is to embrace a life of service and sacrifice. But never forget: Jesus did something we could never do. He lived the perfect life we could not live. He died the death we deserved. He is the King who went to the cross—for you.

The real question is simple: Is He your King?

Every life is ruled by something—ambition, fear, pleasure, politics, self. But only one King loves you enough to die for you. Only one King offers forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. Only one King is worth following.

And His name is Jesus.