Understanding Luke 23:38

Bible Verse: Luke 23:38 - "And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

Meaning of Luke 23:38

This verse occurs during the crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting both a declaration and a mockery of his identity. The inscription serves to connect Jesus' mission with His kingship, making a profound theological statement about His role as the Messiah.

Insights from Commentators

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the irony of the title "King of the Jews." While the inscription is intended to mock, it simultaneously acknowledges the divine truth about Jesus’ identity. This moment illustrates the rejection Jesus faced, yet he fulfills his role as the true king.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes the significance of the inscription being in three languages—Greek, Latin, and Hebrew—indicating that the message was meant for a diverse audience. It implies that Jesus' kingship transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, illustrating the universal nature of his reign.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke discusses the theological implications of the inscription. While the Roman authorities intended this as a cause for mockery, it serves as a proclamation of the truth about Christ's mission and His rightful position as king, even amidst suffering and humiliation.

Cross-References for Luke 23:38

This verse is connected to several other Biblical passages elucidating themes of kingship, mockery, and prophecy:

• Matthew 27:37 - "And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
• John 19:19-20 - "And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS."
• Psalm 22:7-8 - "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him."
• Isaiah 53:3 - "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not."
• Zechariah 9:9 - "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
• Philippians 2:10 - "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth."
• Revelation 19:16 - "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

Thematic Connections

The themes intertwined in Luke 23:38 with the Gospels and other scriptures highlight the profound nature of Jesus' kingship, the rejection He endured, and the proclamation of His identity as the Messiah:

• Messianic Fulfillment: The inscription is a direct acknowledgment of Jesus fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming king.
• Contrast of Earthly and Heavenly Authority: The earthly authority represented by Pilate and the Roman Empire's arrogance contrasts sharply with the divine authority Jesus embodies.
• Universal Message: The inscription written in three languages showcases the universal scope of the gospel, intended for all humankind.
• Mockery and Truth: The act of mocking by displaying the title draws attention to the irony of the situation; the groomed kingship of Jesus is belittled while simultaneously being proclaimed.

Using Bible Cross-References for Deeper Understanding

To appreciate the interconnectedness of Biblical texts, one can utilize various tools such as:

• Bible concordances that categorize verses and topics numerically for easy reference.
• Bible cross-reference guides that shed light on thematic relationships between verses.
• Custom cross-reference Bible study methods to explore the relationships and to draw parallels more effectively.

Conclusion

Luke 23:38 encapsulates a moment of profound significance in the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion. The verse stands as a testament to both His identity and the rejection He faced, inviting us to explore deeper themes of kingship and prophecy throughout the Scriptures. By cross-referencing Biblical texts, readers uncover layers of meaning that enrich their understanding of the Scriptures.