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

Saturday, December 7, 2024

It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified [Jesus]. A sign announced the charge against him. It read, "The King of the Jews."
— Mark 15:25-26 NLT

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 had 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 was true, only God knew it at the moment of his Son's death. To everyone but the Father, everything seemed 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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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:25-26 NLT — It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified [Jesus]. A sign announced the charge against him. It read, "The King of the Jews."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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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