“If Jesus is a king, where’s his crown and castle?” asks Henry, 8. “I’ve seen Disney movies. Kings are supposed to wear gold and sit on thrones.”
When most people think of kings, they picture palaces, parades, armies, and riches. But in John 19:17–22, we see a very different kind of king. Jesus is carrying a cross, not wearing a crown of gold but one of thorns, and heading to a place called Golgotha to be crucified.
“Jesus is a king, but he didn’t come to rule the world the way other kings do,” says Anna, 11. “He came to save it.”
Pilate had a sign placed above Jesus on the cross. It read: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” It was a public statement for everyone to read. The chief priests didn’t like the sign. They told Pilate to change it to say, “He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’” But Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”
“They didn’t want people thinking Jesus really was the king,” says Joshua, 10.
It’s ironic, isn’t it? At the very moment when Jesus looked the weakest, hanging on a cross, beaten and bleeding, Pilate declared Jesus is King. Even though Pilate’s declaration was a mockery of Jewish weakness compared to Rome, it was still true.
Earthly kings usually send others to die for their kingdom. Jesus did the opposite. He died for his people so they could live forever in his kingdom.
Many people didn’t recognize Jesus as a king because he didn’t act like one. He didn’t fight back. He didn’t call down angels. He didn’t shout for justice. He forgave those who nailed him to the cross. That’s a different kind of power, the power of love, mercy, and sacrifice.
“Real kings protect people,” says Leo, 9. “Jesus protects us from the power of sin and death.”
Jesus’ throne was a cross. His crown was made of thorns. His robe was given to him in mockery. But through this painful path, he defeated death and made a way for us to be part of his forever kingdom.
The sign above his head was a declaration of truth for the whole world to see. Jesus is the King, not just of the Jews, but of everyone who believes in him.
“Jesus’ kingdom isn’t about land and borders,”says Isabella, 11. “It’s about people who believe in him.”
Religious leaders rejected Jesus while other Jews in Jerusalem accepted Jesus as their savior and started the first New Testament church. Today, the resurrected Jesus sits on his heavenly throne praying for us as his kingdom of love advances in every nation.
The cross didn’t destroy Jesus’ kingdom. It revealed it. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and told them that all authority in heaven and earth had been given to him (Matthew 28:18).
We don’t have to wait for Jesus to become king one day. He already is. His kingdom grows every time someone believes in him, loves others in his name, and lives by the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to teach us about himself.
Think About This: Jesus didn’t need golden crowns or royal guards to prove he was king. His love, sacrifice, and resurrection declare his kingship forever.
Memorize This Truth: “Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (John 19:19).
Ask These Questions: What kind of leader are you looking for? Have you ever considered that Jesus is King of Kings and wants you in his kingdom?
— Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God twice a week in a free, email subscription, visit www. KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.