A Lenten season blog about Jesus from John 19:19-22

By Raelene Williams, written for Union Chapel (House of Providence), Vancouver, Washington, March, 2012.

Scripture: John 19:19-22

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross.  It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

Reflection:
There are many languages spoken in the daily culture of our world.  We are the living translations of the message that Jesus is “The King of the Jews and King of our Lives.”  How do we live in a way that can be understood by the Aramaic, Latin and Greek speakers in our families, neighborhoods and workplace.

We need to learn a language that to begin with is very foreign.  It is only through reading, reflecting and interacting with other language students that we can learn all the nuances of the language of God’s word.  We also have to become bilingual and spend time learning the languages of others so we can easily translate the lessons that God is teaching us.

As we become living translations, God is able to find many ways to say of our lives,

“What I have written I have written.”

Prayer:
God as I grow to learn your language of love for people of all languages,
help me to be aware and act on the opportunities you place in my daily life to translate for you.

Action:
Take time to reflect on the people in your life that could use a word of encouragement and reach out in a practical way to translate the message of God’s love for one of them.