S) "19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, 'JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.' 20 Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, 'Do not write, "The King of the Jews"; but that He said, "I am King of the Jews."' 22 Pilate answered, 'What I have written I have written.'"
John 19:19-22 (NASB)
O) It was common for the crime of the crucified to be posted on the cross. It was also common for the Roman officials to write it in the most popular languages of the region. In this case, Jesus was crucified just outside of Jerusalem, so the three most common languages were Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. This way, they were assured that almost everyone in the region could clearly see why the person was crucified. In this case, the exact words that were written about Jesus were quite problematic for the chief priests of the Jews. By saying simply, "King of the Jews" there was not left any room for interpretation. So, all of the people who did believe - even those who were unsure - now had this billboard to make them sure. This was affirming that Jesus was who He said He was, and that He was indeed fulfilling the Messianic prophecies. If the chief priests had been able to change the words, to say something like, "Claimed to be the King of the Jews," then they can convince the public that Jesus was an imposter, that He was delusional about Himself.
A) Semantics matter, they absolutely do. Sometimes, arguments about specific words just become divisive quarrells. Sometimes, exact words mean the difference between life and death - even eternally. When people want to attack, they look for a weak link, or a chip in the armor, or a crack in the wall. When Pilate wrote those words, there was nowhere for the opposers to attack. When I speak about my Lord, I need to be just as absolute. Wherever I can afford to be, I need to be clear, absolute, forthright. In this way, it leaves no room for doubt about where I stand - directly with my Lord, Jesus Christ. I can't let myself be sucked into silly debates, but I should absolutely stand my ground with the convictions of my faith, and the words I use to express that.
P) Father, You are an exact God. You are not a God of confusion or chaos. There are still things, and there will always be things, that I do not fully know about my own faith. I believe things by grace, and You prove Yourself faithful. But, of the things that I am certain, give me the boldness to speak them plainly. Remove vague terms from my mouth, and let me speak the convictions of my faith clearly and unmistakeably. Give me the wisdom to speak the truth in love, determined to keep peace, but never comprimising semantics that would leave room for debate (at least about my own position, faith, convictions, words, and actions). Even if I speak something without thinking about the political or social ramifications, if it is pure truth, give me the bravery to stand by those words. Let Your will be done, above all else, even if that means I suffer for the truth I proclaim. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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