And the charge inscribed against Him read:The inscription placed above Jesus on the cross was a common Roman practice to display the crime for which a person was being executed. This served as a deterrent to others who might consider committing similar offenses. In the case of Jesus, the charge was written in three languages: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, ensuring that all who passed by could read it. This trilingual inscription highlights the universal nature of Jesus' kingship and the widespread reach of the Roman Empire.
THE KING OF THE JEWS.
This title, while intended as a mockery by the Roman authorities, holds profound theological significance. It acknowledges Jesus' messianic role as the promised King from the line of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as those found in2 Samuel 7:12-16 andIsaiah 9:6-7. The title also reflects the tension between Jesus' spiritual kingdom and the political expectations of a messianic deliverer who would overthrow Roman rule. Pilate's inscription, though meant to ridicule, inadvertently proclaimed a truth about Jesus' identity and mission. This title connects to other scriptural references, such asJohn 18:36, where Jesus explains that His kingdom is not of this world, andRevelation 19:16, which describes Jesus as "King of kings and Lord of lords."
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristCentral figure of the New Testament, the Messiah, and the Son of God. In this passage, He is being crucified.
2.
Pontius PilateThe Roman governor who authorized Jesus' crucifixion. He ordered the inscription as a formal charge.
3.
GolgothaThe place where Jesus was crucified, also known as "The Place of the Skull."
4.
Roman SoldiersThey carried out the crucifixion and placed the inscription above Jesus.
5.
Jewish LeadersThey opposed Jesus and played a significant role in His arrest and trial.
Teaching Points
The Irony of the InscriptionThe title "The King of the Jews" was meant to mock Jesus, yet it proclaimed a profound truth. Reflect on how God can use even the intentions of His enemies to declare His truth.
Fulfillment of ProphecyThe events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, including the inscription, fulfill Old Testament prophecies. This underscores the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan.
Public DeclarationThe inscription was a public declaration of Jesus' identity. Consider how we are called to publicly declare our faith in Christ, even in the face of opposition.
The Kingship of ChristJesus' kingship is not of this world. Reflect on how His reign is characterized by humility, sacrifice, and love, contrasting with worldly power.
Understanding MisunderstandingThe misunderstanding of Jesus' kingship by both the Roman authorities and Jewish leaders serves as a reminder to seek a true understanding of who Jesus is, beyond cultural or societal misconceptions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 15:26?
2.What does "The King of the Jews" signify about Jesus' identity in Mark 15:26?
3.How does Mark 15:26 fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
4.Why is the inscription in Mark 15:26 significant for understanding Jesus' mission?
5.How can acknowledging Jesus as King influence your daily life and decisions?
6.What parallels exist between Mark 15:26 and other Gospel accounts of the crucifixion?
7.What is the significance of the inscription "The King of the Jews" in Mark 15:26?
8.How does Mark 15:26 fulfill Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah?
9.Why was the title "King of the Jews" considered a charge against Jesus in Mark 15:26?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 15?
11.What was the wording on the cross in the Gospels? Matthew: "This is Jesus the King of the Jews," Mark: "The King of the Jews," Luke: "This is the King of the Jews," John: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."
12.Is there any historical evidence outside John 19:19 to confirm Pilate’s inscription of “King of the Jews”?
13.How do the events described in Mark 15 align with differing crucifixion accounts in the other Gospels?
14.What is the meaning of the letters INRI?What Does Mark 15:26 Mean
And the charge• Roman custom required the criminal’s offense to be displayed, so Pilate wrote one (John 19:19).
• Unlike typical charges—murder, robbery, insurrection—this one identified Jesus’ identity rather than an act.
• Pilate publicly acknowledged the very title the religious leaders denied (Matthew 27:37;Luke 23:2).
Inscribed against Him• The notice was fixed “against Him,” showing Rome’s judgment had been rendered (Colossians 2:14 pictures our sins nailed in similar fashion).
• The wording signals personal hostility from the authorities (Isaiah 53:3–5), yet God was using their malice to declare truth.
Read:•John 19:20 says the placard was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek so everyone—Jew, Roman, or traveler—could grasp its meaning.
• The public nature of crucifixion turned the hill into a worldwide pulpit, fulfilling Jesus’ own words inMark 10:33–34.
• No one could say later, “I didn’t know why He died.” They all read it.
The King of the Jews• The title repeats what Magi proclaimed at His birth (Matthew 2:2) and what Zechariah promised (Zechariah 9:9).
• Though meant sarcastically, the placard affirmed Jesus as David’s rightful heir (2 Samuel 7:12–13;Psalm 2:6).
• Mark’s Gospel begins calling Jesus “the Son of God” (Mark 1:1) and ends with Rome accidentally crowning Him.
• By hanging this title over the cross, God ensured the world saw its true King voluntarily laying down His life (John 10:18).
summaryMark 15:26 records more than a legal notice; it is heaven’s declaration, nailed by human hands, that Jesus is the promised King. The placard condemns Him in Rome’s court yet vindicates Him in God’s plan, turning Calvary into the throne room where the King of the Jews—and of all nations—secures redemption for His subjects.
(26)
The King of the Jews.--St. Mark gives the shortest form of the inscription.
Verse 26. -
And the superscription of his accusation was writtenover, THE KING OF THE JEWS. This would probably be the shortest form of inscription, and in Latin, "Rex Judaeorum." All the evangelists mention the inscription; but no two of them in precisely the same words. It appears by comparison of them that the whole title was, "This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." In the case of remarkable prisoners the accusation was written on a white tablet, and carried before them as they went to the place of execution. It was then placed over their heads when the cross was erected. St. John tells us that our Lord's title was written in three languages - Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. Such appears to be the proper order of the words, namely, the national, the official, and the common dialect. St. Mark, writing at Rome, would naturally mention the Latin title. It is quite possible that the superscription may have varied in the different renderings in which it was given. It is evident from St. John (
John 21:19-22) that the title was much canvassed by the Jews and the chief priests. Bode says that this title was fitly placed over his head, because, although he was crucified in weakness for us, yet he shone with the majesty of a King above his cross. The title proclaimed that he was after all a King; and that from henceforth he began to reign from his cross over the Jews. And therefore Pilate was divinely restrained from making any alteration in the title, so that it should mean anything less than this.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.chargeαἰτίας(aitias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 156:From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime.inscribedἐπιγραφὴ(epigraphē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1923:An inscription, title, label. From epigrapho; an inscription.against Himαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.read:ἐπιγεγραμμένη(epigegrammenē)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1924:To write upon, inscribe, imprint a mark on. From epi and grapho; to inscribe.TheΟ(HO)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.KingΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ(BASILEUS)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935:A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.of theΤΩΝ(TŌN)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Jews.ΙΟΥΔΑΙΩΝ(IOUDAIŌN)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453:Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.
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NT Gospels: Mark 15:26 The superscription of his accusation was written (Mar Mk Mr) 
