It Is Finished

KING OF ALL Written By: Liz Jones

Luke 23:32-38 NKJV

32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”

38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

There’s a lot in these seven verses. 

I will share what the Holy Spirit highlighted and ask questions at the end to prompt your study. 

“The place called Calvary” is also called Golgotha, which means “place of a skull.” [Matthew 27:33] God spoke about this moment in Genesis 3:15. Look at what He says to the serpent (who is the devil): 

15 And I will put enmity

    between you and the woman,

    and between your offspring and hers;

he will crush your head,

    and you will strike his heel. ~ Genesis 3:15 NIV

Jesus was crucified at the place of the skull crushing the head of the enemy. 

The Romans used crucifixion to punish the worst crimes: rape, murder, armed robbery, and political crimes such as sedition and rebellion against Rome. 

These two men were most likely the worst of the worst. And there was Jesus – between the two of them. Perfect and innocent in every way.

Verse 34 convicts my heart every time I read it. Jesus forgave them as He suffered. This is the epitome of forgiveness! 

While He labored to breathe, bleeding and battered, He prayed for those who wounded Him. 

The people stood looking on. Rulers and soldiers mocked Him and sneered. 

And He prayed for their forgiveness. 

The inscription over Him – THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS was written in three different languages. 

This inscription was written in the three most common languages for that region. 

This inscription was written for others to see. 

This inscription was written for the Gentile, the Roman, and the Hebrew.

What was written to mock and revile, God used to proclaim the truth for all to see. 

Father, in the name of Jesus, the name above all names, the king of my heart, I bow before You in reverence. Father, Your plan to save and redeem us was perfect. You thought of every detail. You sent Your only begotten Son to die for us. Father, we are forever grateful for Your love. We bless You, Jesus, and draw near to return the love You so graciously lavished upon us. You are worthy of it all. We love You, Lord. Amen!

Digging Deeper: 

  • Look up Golgotha – there’s some pretty cool information on the internet about it.
  • At the end of verse 34 – “They divided His garments.” There was a prophecy about this 600 years before these garments were woven. See if you can find it. 
  • The people mocking Him (verses 35-36) remind me of what Jesus said in Luke 4:23. What do you think? 
  • The soldiers offered Him sour wine – but He didn’t drink it. Why? (hint: look at Matthew 26:29)

I declare my allegiance to Jesus, the snake crusher. I will walk in victory; I am no longer a victim. I serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He is the King of my heart, and I am His willing servant. I will follow the example of Jesus and choose to forgive people regardless of their choices.