And He, bearing His cross, went out to the place called the Place of the Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write , ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” (John 19:17-21)
The custom in the time of Roman executions was to place a placard or tablet around the neck of the victim as he made his way to execution. The tablet would then be nailed to the victim’s cross. Pilate used this opportunity to declare what his own findings were when he interviewed Jesus himself, and showed his own mocking revenge on the Jews who had instigated his use of authority by their mob mentality of demanding crucifixion. The cross was carried on Jesus’ shoulders to the place of execution, Jesus carried it as far as the city gate, but due to the effects of His previous brutal beating, someone else had to carry it for Him; Simon of Cyrene (Matthew 27:32). Jesus beared His cross to give us forgiveness of our sins. He endured the scorn and shame of a condemned sinner who willingly went to His death so we would not have to be judged for our sins. Now, If you by faith have received this gift of salvation, can have everlasting life with God the Father and be apart of His eternal kingdom.
Dear friend, One thing the Lord does require of us is to deny ourselves and take up the cross. The Lord’s cross is our separation from this world, and be conformed to His life of righteousness and sanctification and love.
May the Lord bless your walk!
