What is the meaning of Matthew 27:37? Above His head Roman custom fixed the charge of a condemned man where all could read it. By placing it “above His head,” God ensured that every passer-by saw a public declaration of who Jesus truly is. Compare John 19:19–20, where many read the inscription because the site was close to the city, and Luke 23:38, which adds that it was written in three languages—underscoring a worldwide witness. Even the height of the cross speaks: Jesus was “lifted up” (John 12:32), fulfilling the picture of Numbers 21:8–9 and showing that His atoning work is for all who look to Him in faith. They posted the written charge against Him The Roman “titulus” usually detailed the criminal’s offense, yet Pilate’s wording amounted to no crime at all. John 18:38 records Pilate’s admission, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.” Ironically, the inscription that was meant to shame actually proclaims Jesus’ innocence and sovereignty. Colossians 2:14 says our own record of debt was “canceled... and taken away, nailing it to the cross.” While the authorities nailed a single sentence over Jesus, the Father nailed our entire guilt to Him, so that we might go free. This is Jesus Pilate’s sign identifies the crucified One by the very name given at His birth: “You are to give Him the name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). What the governor wrote in political sarcasm, God used as gospel truth. • John the Baptist had already declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Peter later preached, “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). • One day “every knee will bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11). The sign over the cross introduces the world to its only Savior. The King of the Jews What began as mockery was, in fact, fulfillment of ancient prophecy. • Wise men had asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). • Zechariah 9:9 had foretold Israel’s humble King riding into Jerusalem, exactly as Jesus did in Matthew 21:5. • In John 18:36-37 Jesus acknowledged, “My kingdom is not of this world... For this reason I was born.” • The title stretches beyond Israel: Revelation 19:16 calls Him “King of kings and Lord of lords.” The cross, therefore, is not the defeat of a pretender but the coronation of the rightful King, who rules by sacrificial love. summary Matthew 27:37 is more than a historical detail. • The elevated sign draws every eye to the crucified Savior. • The written charge—meant to condemn—actually proclaims His innocence and our redemption. • The name “Jesus” announces His saving mission. • The title “King of the Jews” affirms His messianic royalty, extending to all nations. God turned Roman protocol into a billboard of truth: the One hanging on the cross is Jesus, the promised King, whose death secures eternal life for all who believe. |
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