Today at church, we studied a lesson prepared regarding Jesus' trial (source, Dr. Tom Thatcher, Cincinnati Bible College). To cut to the quick of the study and to give you opportunity to research on your own, I'll move to the point...the King of the Hill reference is to the childhood game and not the cartoon series.
Three worldly kings emerged in the trial of Jesus for review: Caiaphas, Herod and Pilate.
Caiaphas was the high priest of the Jews and in essence, King of legalism and self-righteousness. He did not want Jesus to take his hill of prestige and honor. Caiaphas had inherited the seat from his father Annas and held tight to his position through laying the law and guilt upon the backs of the Jews. Have you ever prayed a thanks to God for not being as spiritually messed up as others? Does this hill still exist in the church today? Are you currently climbing this hill?
Herod was a self-indulgent, pleasure-seeking king. When Jesus was brought to him, Herod hoped for a miracle show! His devotion to the pleasure hill was so great, it took him through incestuous, adulterous relationships and the beheading of John the Baptist. Jesus did not entertain him, so he sent him to Pilate. Has anyone else stayed up late watching entertainment that will be forgotten in 50 years if not 50 minutes from now, but then found it impossible to get up in the morning to pray and spend time with Jesus? He just doesn't entertain us the way the TV does! Has anyone had someone beheaded because they scolded you? Probably not--if so, please don't comment here, but do turn yourself in--but have you attempted to destroy others who have confronted you by spreading hateful speech?
Pilate was thought to be a fictitious hill, made up by the Gospel writers. Archaeologists, though, found coins bearing his likeness and name. Now, they can be found on eBay too! He was anti-religion and pro-state. He climbed atop the money/capitol hill as well as political power pinnacle. Should we keep Christianity out of the political process? Can scripture advise us in evaluating political platforms, issues and candidates? What does Jesus have to say about money? He actually has quite a bit to say about money. Are you approaching money as Jesus has instructed? Study that one with all his preaching on the subject before answering too quickly. Are you climbing this hill or defending your position 'near the top?'
The study is intriguing, but I ask you to go beyond intrigued. Jesus told these three that He is the Christ, the Son of God, the King of the Jews; that he would be coming on the clouds--the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Notice, too, that Herod was too distracted and hardened to admonishment that he did not get a response from Jesus. Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" --an ironic question of the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Light. I encourage you in your own study time to take a look at the hills you may be storming, or those you may be fortifying. Jesus is King of our pleasure and contentment; He is king of our money and jobs; He is King of our salvation, of Heaven.
Run to the hills! But not your own, run to the ones that Jesus has secured and fortified, the ones upon which He has prepared a place for you. Please comment on ways He has provided pleasure for you, spiritual awakenings, personal blessings--Heavenly hills promise so much more than the hills of this world. Please encourage others here, in your family or community to remind them of His promises and His blessings.
In Christ, Andy
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