What Jesus Did! 'Recognized as King' — Mark 15:25-26

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

It was nine o'clock in the morning when they nailed Jesus to the cross. There was a sign with the charge against Jesus written on it. The sign said: "The King of the Jews."
— Mark 15:25-26 NLT
Illustration of Mark 15:25-26 NLT — It was nine o'clock in the morning when they nailed Jesus to the cross. There was a sign with the charge against Jesus written on it. The sign said: "The King of the Jews."

Key Thought

Jesus was recognized as King at his birth by angels, shepherds, and stargazers. Jesus was recognized as King at his death only by God—the sign described the charge against Jesus whose closest followers abandoned him. While God had shown glimpses of his plan through the words of the prophets, a crucified Messiah was inconceivable to Jesus' contemporaries. So while the sign attached to the cross above Jesus' head is true, only God knows it at the moment of his Son's death. To everyone but the Father, everything seems lost in the mockery of this sign, of this crowd, and of this cross. But God is faithful and Jesus is King: long may this King reign in our hearts!

Today's Prayer

O Father, only you would devise such a plan to redeem us. Only you would have your Son revealed as King from the place equated with humiliation, suffering, and death. I confess, dear God, that the message of the Cross captures my heart and helps me know your love more fully. I praise you for such love and for such a sacrificial King. May he reign, in my heart and in your glory, forever and ever. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 2:1-2
  • Acts 2:32-36
  • Mark 15:32

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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