Jesus of Nazareth (part 2)

The other day we looked at a few references to "Jesus of Nazareth" and learned something of his humility, his humanity, his grace and compassion. Today we conclude our little mini study by looking at something of the cross work of our Lord Jesus Christ as we look at the final couple of scriptures we have to think about.

"And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS." John 19:19

This is the superscription that Pilate wrote above the cross as John records it and it is appropriate that "Jesus of Nazareth", the name associated with his manhood, his humility and his rejection should be put above the cross. The Jews despised and rejected him, they did not want him, they cried "we will not have this man to reign over us", they would say "away with him, crucify him!"

The people had spoken, this was their estimation of the Son of God, the one who had been sent to seek and to save that which was lost! To them he was Jesus of Nazareth, the one they despised and rejected. We may also marvel that this Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was associated with such good works and compassion (as in the case of blind Bartimaeus  and Acts 10:38 would also link this title with his good works) and that had done so much good should now be found crucified in agony and shame upon a cross. It was this name "Jesus of Nazareth" that hung above the cross! The Jews thought that this was the end of it, that he was defeated. In actual fact he was finishing the work God had given him to do, here was victory not defeat!

"Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here..." Mark 16:6

These are great words indeed and as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we should love to read them! They are words that give us assurance, hope and joy. How wonderful that this title, associated with his lowliness, his humble earthly associations, his rejection and death on the cross should also be used in connection with his glorious resurrection! We thank God that he arose, and we wonder afresh at that great victory, a victory over death hell and the grave.

"Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!"

We also remember that on the road to Damascus the voice from heaven that addressed Saul of Tarsus was identified as "Jesus of Nazareth" the risen and ascended Son of God (Acts 22:8). So we have yet more to thank God for, not only did he rise from the dead but he ascended to the right hand of God on high! The rejected and lowly one who was found in fashion as a man, returned to the glorious position he had ever occupied with his father God in heaven. What a Saviour!

We bless God for his Son, Jesus of Nazareth whom we have come to know and trust as Lord and Saviour. I hope that this simple consideration of the title "Jesus of Nazareth" has been interesting and an encouragement to us as we have considered something of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yours in Christ, Mark