Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." "You are a king then!" Said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me" (John 18:36-37).

Only hours before His arrest, the people of Jerusalem crowded the streets to see Jesus and spread their cloaks and palm branches before Him proclaiming "Blessed is the kingwho comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19:38). Then the crowds turned against Him. When He was brought before Pilate He was bloody and beaten, but no less a king than when He left heaven, and no less a king than He is right now.  John describes: "someone like a son of man dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. His head and hair [are] like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes [are] like blazing fire. His feet [are] like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice [is] like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand he [holds] seven stars, and out of His mouth [comes] a sharp double-edged sword. His face [is] like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead"--Awesome King of the Ages, Merciful Lord--"Then He placed His right hand on me and said, 'Do not be afraid'" (Rev. 1:13b-17b). How can we conceive of a King who conquers death, hell and the grave, and then touches us and says, "Do not be afraid"? How can we comprehend the Omnipotent who reigns in love? He is the greatest paradox of all, the Mighty and the Meek, the Fearsome and the Gentle, the Conqueror and the Sacrifice, the Lion and the Lamb.

Jesus loved mankind, and mankind was held captive in the enemy's grasp. The only way to free His beloved was to enter the enemy's camp and to become the ransom. The King became the sacrifice, not to populate His kingdom with slaves, but with sons and daughters, heirs to His kingdom! "You were slain and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God and they will reign on the earth" (Rev. 5:9c-11). Our King is our hero, and with loving arms He reaches out to us saying, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

I can only say Thank You, Lord. I love You. Amen