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The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

Quick! What thoughts come to your mind when you hear the word “king”? Do you think of crowns and palaces? The finest clothes and the best food? Lots of servants doing whatever the king wants them to do?

I would guess that “being crucified” wasn’t at the top of your list.

And yet, that is what’s happening to Jesus in the Bible verse for today. Jesus is being crucified. The charge placed on the sign above him was: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

Ironically, the charge is true. Jesus IS the King of the Jews. In fact, he’s King of all. Oh, Jesus doesn’t look much like a king as he’s hanging on the cross. But when we’re reminded of why he’s there, things become clear. Jesus is there because he wants to save us. He’s on the cross not to save himself but to save you and me.

A good king will battle for his people. Well, Jesus fought the ultimate battle for you and me—the battle against sin, death, and the devil’s power. He fought that battle all the way to—and through—the cross.

True, at his crucifixion, Jesus doesn’t look like a king to our eyes. But our eyes of faith see the most glorious King of all, the King who has saved us.

It’s a nice way to begin Thanksgiving week, isn’t it?

Oh Jesus, what a gracious King you are! Remind me that you’ve battled for me, winning forgiveness for me, winning eternity for me, that I might live my life in the peace of knowing I’m part of your eternal kingdom. Fill me with thankfulness, O gracious King! Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.