“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
The crucifixion of Jesus is a central component of the Gospel message... and right in the middle of the narrative we are confronted with this crucial question about the Lordship of Jesus. Pilate asks the chief priests if he should crucify their king, and they respond by indicating that they do not recognize the authority of anyone except Caesar.
Just imagine - the religious leaders of the day are not only willing to crucify an innocent man, but they are also willing to declare their allegiance to Caesar, aligning themselves with the political powers of this world.
The reality is that the Kingdom of God stands in direct opposition to the kingdoms of this world. There is no room for compromise in the Kingdom of God, and when kingdoms collide, we are forced to declare our allegiance by our words and actions. As has been said, "Christ must be Lord of all... or He is not Lord at all." And Christ's Kingdom isn't based on political power and authority, but on self-sacrifice and servanthood.
Which narrative shapes your life? Of which kingdom are you a subject?
O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my guide.
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my guide.
- John E. Bode
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