A Sign For The Nations

Pilate was right about one thing, and he nailed his conclusion to Jesus’ cross for all to see. The Jesus (a common name in Israel at that time) who was crucified was the ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ who the whole country knew from His teaching and miracles. He was God’s anointed King over Israel and indeed the whole world. So when Pilate ordered that the wooden noticeboard be nailed to Jesus’ cross, he was speaking the truth.
 
Interestingly, the tri-lingual translation did not include Hebrew but Aramaic, the everyday language of Israel. It was readily understood by Samaritans, immigrants and traders. Greek was the language of business and culture. It was known all over the then known world. Latin was the language of military power and government. Although Aramaic was largely used within Israel, Latin and Greek were the languages of international communication, much as English is used today. The sign was for everyone, because Jesus did not just come for the Jews but for everybody who had put their trust in Him. He was, and continues to be, the anchor point for people of every nationality who want to be right with God.
 
So Pilate’s notice which announced Jesus to the world was a sign for the nations. Isaiah 66:19 says, "I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations—to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations.” The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus continue to be the motivation for international mission, and the motivation for believers everywhere to make Jesus known where they live and work. Is that the motivation for your life and witness too?