Regardless of public opinion, Jesus is the King of Heaven and Earth.
Dr. Howard Hendrick – theologian, pastor and professor – once said, “There was no identity crisis in the life of Jesus Christ. He knew who He was. He knew where He had come from and why He was here. And He knew where He was going.”
Our world is so lost! People all over are struggling with their identity on some level. So, it’s no wonder that mankind also struggles with the true identity of Jesus: the Son of God. The same was even true in Jesus’ day.
The religious leaders who wrung Him through a false trial denied His divinity; Pilate, the Roman governor, who authorized His crucifixion, was certainly only concerned about himself. The Jewish spiritual leaders were afraid that Jesus, this popular rabbi, would take over, potentially bringing the wrath of Rome down upon the Jews. Pilate’s concern was that somehow, Jesus had broken Roman law and was attempting to usurp Caesar’s authority and gain political rule in Israel. Had that happened on Pilate’s watch, he would not only have lost his job but more than likely his life. However, there were not any crimes committed, according to Jewish or Roman law, and Jesus was not planning an insurrection against Rome.
Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” (Matthew 27:11)
When Pilate asked Jesus the question, “Are you the King of the Jews?” there is little doubt he was hoping the answer would have been, no. But Jesus answered, “Yes, you said it.” Jesus truly is the King of the Jews, but contrary to what some may have thought, not in a geopolitical way.
In the gospel of John, we are given further insight concerning Jesus’ kingdom. “Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm”. Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:36-37)