The term "superscription" refers to the inscription placed above Jesus Christ during His crucifixion. This sign, often called the "titulus," was affixed to the cross to indicate the charge against Him. The Gospel accounts provide insight into the significance and content of this inscription, which played a crucial role in the events surrounding the crucifixion.

Biblical Accounts

The inscription is mentioned in all four Gospels, each providing a slightly different perspective on its wording:

- Matthew 27:37: "Above His head they posted the written charge against Him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS."
- Mark 15:26: "And the charge inscribed against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS."
- Luke 23:38: "Above Him was posted an inscription: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
- John 19:19-20: "Pilate also had a notice posted on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek."

Significance of the Inscription

The inscription served multiple purposes:

1. Legal Charge: In Roman crucifixions, it was customary to display the crime for which the condemned was being executed. The charge against Jesus, as inscribed, was His claim to be "The King of the Jews," which was perceived as a challenge to Roman authority and a threat to the established order.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The inscription inadvertently affirmed Jesus' messianic identity, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's kingship. Despite the intention to mock, the sign proclaimed a profound truth recognized by believers.

3. Universal Message: The inscription was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek, the three major languages of the region at the time. This trilingual presentation ensured that a diverse audience could understand the charge, symbolizing the universal nature of Christ's mission and message.

4. Irony and Revelation: The sign highlights the irony of the situation. While intended as a declaration of guilt, it revealed the true identity of Jesus as the King, not only of the Jews but of all creation. This irony is a recurring theme in the Passion narrative, where human actions unwittingly fulfill divine purposes.

Theological Implications

The superscription on the cross invites reflection on the nature of Christ's kingship. Unlike earthly rulers, Jesus' reign is characterized by humility, sacrifice, and love. His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and His path to kingship was through suffering and obedience to the Father's will.

For believers, the inscription serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption and the profound truth of Jesus' identity. It calls Christians to acknowledge Him as their King and to live in accordance with His teachings, embracing the paradox of strength through weakness and life through death.

In conclusion, the superscription on the cross is a powerful testament to the identity and mission of Jesus Christ. It encapsulates the core of the Gospel message and continues to inspire faith and devotion among Christians worldwide.Matthew 27:37
And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 15:26
And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 23:38
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Nave's Topical Index

John 19:19
And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Nave's Topical Index

Words from the Cross
... And a superscription also was written over Him in ... gibe was double-barrelled, like
the inscription over the ... promise is sealed with His own sign-manual, 'Verily ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/words from the cross.htm

[Endnotes]
... name here given to the magistrates (politarchs), does not occur in ancient literature;
but it is a curious and important fact that a Greek inscription, on an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... a pure heart!' Let my heart have this inscription, Holiness to ... This is a sign of
a new nature, when a ... who do not have this image and superscription upon them ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

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