"Amo Ini Ang Hari Sang Mga Judio"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 23:35-43)

Nagatilindog didto ang mga tawo nga nagatulok. Ginyaguta siya sang mga manugdumala sang banwa. Siling nila, "Ginluwas niya ang iban, luwason man niya ang iya kaugalingon kon siya amo ang Cristo nga pinili sang Dios."

Nagyaguta man sa iya ang mga soldado samtang nagapalapit sila agod paimnon siya sang maaslom nga bino.

Siling nila, "Kon ikaw ang Hari sang mga Judio, luwasa ang imo kaugalingon!"

Kag may ginbutang sila nga karatula didto sa iya uluhan nga nagasiling, "Amo ini ang Hari sang mga Judio."

Ang isa sa mga kriminal nga nalansang sa krus nagpasipala man kay Jesus. Siling niya, "Indi bala nga ikaw ang Cristo? Luwasa ang imo kaugalingon kag kami man!"

Pero ginsaway siya sang isa ka kriminal. Siling niya, "Wala ka bala nahadlok sa Dios? Pareho man lang kita nga ginasilutan.

Kita nga duha dapat gid nga silutan tungod sang aton mga sala. Pero ini nga tawo wala gid sing sala."

Dayon nagsiling siya kay Jesus, "Jesus, dumduma man ako kon maghari ka na!"

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Matuod ining ginasiling ko sa imo nga karon nga adlaw mangin kaupod ko ikaw sa Paraiso."

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Meditation: 

Do you recognize that the Lord Jesus has been given full authority and power to rule over the earth as well as heaven? Jesus was crucified for his claim to be the Messianic King who would rule not only over his people Israel but ultimately over all the nations as well. What is the significance or meaning of Jesus' kingship for us? Kingship today seems antiquated, especially in democratic societies where everyone is treated equal and free. God at first did not want to give his people Israel a king. Why? Because God alone was their King and they needed no other. Nonetheless, God relented and promised his people that through David's line he would establish a kingship that would last for eternity (Psalm 89:29). The Jews understood that the Messiah would come as king to establish God's reign for them. They wanted a king who would free them from tyranny and from foreign domination. Many had high hopes that Jesus would be the Messianic king. Little did they understand what kind of kingship Jesus claimed to have. Jesus came to conquer hearts and souls for an imperishable kingdom, rather than to conquer perishable lands and entitlements. 

When Satan tempted Jesus during his forty day fast in the wilderness, he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:8-9). Jesus knew that the world was in Satan's power. And this was precisely why Jesus came – to overthrow Satan's power and rulership over the earth. Jesus knew that the way to victory was through submission to his Father's will and through the sacrificial offering of his life upon the cross for the sins of the world. As Jesus was dying on the cross, he was mocked for his claim to kingship. Nonetheless, he died not only as King of the Jews, but as King of the nations as well. His victory over the power of sin, Satan, and the world, was accomplished through his death on the cross and his resurrection. Jesus exchanged a throne of glory for a cross of shame to restore us from slavery to sin to glory with God as his adopted sons and daughters. In the Book of Revelations Jesus is called King of kings and Lord and lords (Rev. 19:16).  Do you recognize Jesus Christ as your King and Lord? 

The scriptures present us with the choice between two kingdoms – the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. The choice is ours. Which kingdom do you serve? God's kingdom remains forever because it is built on the foundation of God's eternal love and justice. To accept Jesus as Lord and King is to enter a kingdom that will last forever where righteousness, peace, truth, and love dwell. Is your life submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? 

"Lord Jesus Christ, you are my King and there is no other. Be the Lord and Master of my heart. May all that I do be pleasing to you and serve the best interests of my neighbor as well."