2016-Lent at JW2_Page_1

Scripture Reference: John 19:16-27

Monday Prayer: I grew up in a tradition where crucifixes were everywhere, in our churches, on our walls, and of course, in 24k gold around our necks (coupled with a gold horn for good luck of course). I liked wearing my crucifix. It brought me comfort, and there was also some superstition attached to it. But the truth is that I really had no idea what it meant. Obviously Jesus died, but other than that, I was more or less clueless. However, I do remember sitting in church on Sundays, CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine - it sounds like a big deal, but we mostly fooled around with our friends and got into trouble), and Catholic school always mesmerized by the cross. In particular, I was always intrigued by the letters inscribed above Jesus’ head, INRI. I didn’t know what it meant. I wasn’t much of a bible reader as a kid, so I was completely clueless.

I eventually learned that the letters are a Latin acronym that is translated, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. Pontius Pilate had this inscribed and placed at the top of the cross in Aramaic, Latin and in Greek. Everyone passing by would have been able to read the inscription, which caused some concern from the Jewish leaders. They made their concerns known and said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’, but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews’”. But Pilate replied, to the dismay of the Jews, “What I have written I have written”. Without even realizing it, Pilate was announcing to the world the reign of a new King. Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth has become King of the Jews. Jesus became king through suffering. He made himself nothing, and in the end became ruler of all. Take some time this morning to pray and meditate upon the cross of Jesus. Think about his suffering. Consider what it must have been like to experience the betrayal of his own people. Then rejoice that Jesus Christ is King! Worship your savior this morning and thank him for saving your soul and lavishing his grace upon you.