We have no king but...



"Pilate said to the Jews, 'Behold your King!' They cried out, 'Away with him, away with him, crucify him!' Pilate said to them, 'Shall I crucify your King?' The chief priests answered, 'We have no king but Caesar.' So he delivered him over to them to be crucified." (John 19:14-16)

There is a profound irony in this scene. A Gentile Roman soldier identifies Jesus as the King of the Jews, yet the Jewish leaders reject Him, claiming instead that their only king is Caesar—the very Roman Emperor who oppressed them.

It is often difficult to understand why the priests and religious leaders could not accept Jesus as their Messiah. The evidence was overwhelming: His miracles, His wisdom, and His words. If they had maintained a truly intimate relationship with God—like Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, or even the High Priest Caiaphas, who once (unwittingly) spoke a true prophecy—they would never have claimed a ruthless oppressor like Caesar as their king.

This past weekend, "No King" rallies took place across the United States and abroad. I am struck by how diversely people view these events. Some grieve over current wars and suffering; there are those praying with concern for the Trump administration. However, among those same crowds, I also observed individuals mocking and sneering at Trump with bitter sarcasm. And then some dismiss the protesters entirely, claiming they are mentally unstable or paid actors.

It is a sobering reminder of a society where people believe only what they want to believe, and where their own personal values—rather than God—become their "king."


Lord, what kind of person am I? 

Do I truly live with You as my King?

Do I proclaim You with my lips while harboring other "kings" in my heart? 

Please grant me the grace to enthrone You fully. 

If there are any idols or self-made kings I must cast down, please remove them from me. 

I pray in the name of Jesus, who died on the cross for me. Amen.

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