Offensive words (5) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

If he is the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
Matthew 27:42.

Offensive words (5)
Israel's leaders' contempt went even further. They now said, "He is the king of Israel." That was their accusation before the governor Pilate, which they used to prevent Jesus' release (cf. John 19:12). The accusation over the cross stated: "This is Jesus the King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:11.37). If He met their demand to step down from the cross, they would believe Him, so they said.

They wanted to see another miracle. Their faith needed visible proof, which contrasted with the biblical description of faith: "Faith is the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 J.N.D.). True faith accepts the Word of God for its foundation. It acknowledges that God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ and that the resurrection proves that He is the Son of God. Faith trusts God and His promises in what cannot be seen (cf. John 2:22; Romans 1:4).

Objections raised against the Person of Christ nowadays are similar. People are prepared to believe in God, if their wishes are fulfilled, if they see success and experience miracles. Faith must be present before the evidence of what is to be believed or hoped for is there before our eyes to behold.

The leaders of the people in Israel had had sufficient evidence that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and not "a sinner", as they claimed (cf. John 9:24). Neither can the joy and power of eternal life that come with faith in His work of redemption be disputed.

(to be concluded on Thursday)

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25:1-28 · Revelation 12:1-9