Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 2 of 4)

Most of the Jewish leaders would not accept the possibility of Jesus as their King. Yes, they eagerly awaited the Messiah, but for them Jesus just did not fit the bill. He did not match their expectations nor did He share their concepts regarding the Law and life. Pilate knew it was out of envy ( Matthew 27:18) Jesus had been handed over to be crucified and therefore continued his attempts to release Him. Pilate had the power to do so. However, note the claims the leaders used to finally get Pilate to grant their wish.

We read. . .
"(12) From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, 'If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. EVERYONE WHO MAKES HIMSELF A KING OPPOSES CAESAR.' (13) So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. (14) Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, 'BEHOLD YOUR KING!' (15) They cried out, 'Away with him, away with him, crucify him!' Pilate said to them, 'SHALL I CRUCIFY YOUR KING?' The chief priests answered, 'WE HAVE NO KING BUT CAESAR.' (16) So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus," ( John 19:12-16 ESV)

Did they really love Caesar? Was he the one to whom they really wanted to give their full allegiance? No, they just hated Jesus and His claims more!

But the SHAKE UP of Caesar's position of authority would come. Caesar loved to be greeted as "Lord", but the early Christians refused to do this. Their typical response was, "No, Jesus is Lord!" What bothered Caesar the most was that he knew they were serious. Are we? Is Jesus truly acknowledged as the Lord of our lives? May this claim not only be upon our lips, but may it also be proclaimed through the actions of our daily lives.

Have a great day TAKING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF JESUS SERIOUSLY!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 05/06/1999 (edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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