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DOUBLE ENTENDRE – In this lesson and with the title scrawled
hurried on a signboard, "This is the King of the Jews," we have the convergence
of historical event and spiritual insight. Clearly, the sign is the result of the mocking
rejection of any claim that Jesus is a king, let alone king of any realm. We’re not
sure who was responsible for the sign in Luke’s telling, just a passive construction,
"a signboard was nailed to the cross . . ." Whoever the scribe might have been,
the significance of the title for the Christian community has been immense. For this very
title has become in Christian faith a christological title that points to the salvific
work accomplished by Christ and points to the fulfillment of the ancient divine promise to
send humanity a Shepherd-King.
REFLECTION – Such a title—especially that of "King"—which
emerges from the pathos of the death of Christ still calls forth a response: derision or
confession. In Luke’s narrative detractors and mockers, religious leaders and
soldiers make their response. Yet the title lingers on to haunt and call forth confessions
of allegiance and faithful servanthood for every generation.
AMBROSE [fl. 374-397] – The superscription is fittingly above the cross,
because although the Lord Jesus was on the cross, he shines above the cross with the
majesty of a king. [1]
connections
What attitudes and motives do you see in the crowd following this
death-march? In the rulers? The criminals? The sign-maker? In Jesus? What aspects do you
see in verses 40-43?
gambits
Titles say much of those who convey them and also on those who
wear them. You might want to explore the depth of the title, "Jesus the King of the
Jews" on this special Sunday.
Begin with titles that are common in our culture – and our predilection for
titles, e.g. "broom technician" for someone who sweeps hallways (my son’s
favorite title for his first job!)
Move to the specific title description in this gospel lesson. Show the double entendre
that it is—a historical occurrence, a mocking charge, a covenantal allusion (Jesus as
the fulfillment of a promised King who would one day reign over the house of David), and a
confession of faith.
Conclude with the options that such a title leaves us with: derision or confession.
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[1] The Christian Commentary on Scripture (InterVarsity, 2003), page 363.
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