Jesus is condemned as a common thief, crucified between two common thieves (v18). The King of glory, the eternal Son of God, the Creator of the world has humbled Himself in such an amazing way. Here is love, vast as the ocean.

Pilate has failed to have his way as the religious leaders stop his attempts to release Jesus. He has the final word though, because in the place where someone’s crimes would be listed, he has written, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (v20). The Jews want him to change this but Pilate is defiant and will not have the sign changed (v21-22).

Pilate knew the truth about Jesus. I wonder how he managed to live with the knowledge of who he had crucified. The sign might have been partly to ease his own conscience but there was no atoning for what he did to Christ.

Those today who reject Christ often seek to ease their conscience with good and religious duties, but these never make up for rejecting Christ. The only answer has to be repenting of this sin of rejecting Jesus and instead embrace Christ as Saviour and Lord.

The challenge continues for us then day by day, are we embracing Christ’s rule as King over every area of our lives. Pray about this!