SHE SAYS: "Long Live the King!"

It is fitting to share this piece as today is Maundy Thursday, which marks the eve of the crucifiction of Jesus. (By the way, in case you are curious like me, I have learned that the word “maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, which translates to “commandment.”)

This is referring to the new commandment is found in John 13:34-35 that was given by Jesus as he was washing his disciples's feet on the evening of the Last Supper.  He says to them:  

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

As the events of that evening continue, Jesus departs with his disciples and goes to pray about the events he knows are imminent.  John 18 begins as he is finishing praying: 

"Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.  So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.  Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?"

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. 

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

I think this is an incredible display of the deity of Jesus.  These armed men of war drew back and fell to the ground when Jesus spoke those three little words.  Three little words that carry the full power and authority of Almighty God, Jehovah, "I AM".

(Exodus 3:14 - this was how God identified himself to Moses in the burning bush). 

The scripture used in mixed media collage above is from John 18:37 and is part of the dialogue between Jesus and Pilate, the Roman governor, as the Jewish leaders seek to have him executed. 

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came

into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

As you most likely know, events led to Jesus being flogged and crucified, perfectly fulfilling prophesy.  He did it for us, out of love, to free us from our sins by his blood.  And he rose again as declared in a glorious resurrection.  Our Savior lives!

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever."