INRI
WHAT IS ITS MEANING? WHY WAS IT DISPLAYED ON THE CROSS?
Biblical References:
1. Matthew 27:37:
– “Above his head they placed the written charge against him: ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.'”
2. John 19:19-22:
– “Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Many of the Jews read this inscription because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews,” but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.”‘ Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.'”
Meaning and Historical Context:
The letters INRI commonly seen on crucifixes stand for the Latin phrase “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum,” which translates to “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” This inscription originates from the biblical accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion, where it was customary for the Roman soldiers to write the offense of the person being crucified on a tablet and display it during their journey to the execution site. This tablet was also nailed above the head of the person on the cross, indicating their crime to all who passed by. Since crucifixion was a Roman execution method, the Jewish authorities had no power to alter the inscription.
Significance:
1. Official Charge: It was Roman custom to display the crime of the crucified person. For Jesus, his claim to kingship was considered treasonous.
2. Languages Used: The inscription was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, ensuring it could be read by all present.
3. Unintended Truth: Though meant as mockery, the title inadvertently proclaimed a profound truth about Jesus’ identity and mission.
4. Pilate’s Defiance: When Jewish leaders objected to the wording, Pilate refused to change it, stating, “What I have written, I have written” (Jn 19:22).
MESSAGE
1. Divine Sovereignty: Even in Jesus’ humiliation, God’s plan was being fulfilled, with Christ’s kingship proclaimed.
2. Universal Reign: The multilingual inscription foreshadows Jesus’ lordship over all nations and peoples.
3. Transformative Power: What was intended as shame became a declaration of glory, reflecting how God can transform even the worst circumstances.
4. Courage in Conviction: Pilate’s refusal to alter the inscription, despite pressure, can inspire believers to stand firm in their faith.
5. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The title “King of the Jews” connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
REFLECTION
Pilate, a gentile and the governor of Judea, recognized that Jesus was considered by many to be their spiritual king. During his interrogation of Jesus, Pilate heard Jesus affirm His spiritual kingship. Despite the pressure from the Jewish leaders to sentence Jesus to crucifixion, Pilate’s inscription on the cross inadvertently acknowledged Jesus’ kingship, even though it displeased Jesus’ enemies.
Christians today can learn from Pilate’s unintended declaration. We often face situations where we must choose between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, much like Pilate did. Standing up for truth and justice can be challenging and sometimes even perilous, as seen in the lives of John the Baptist and Jesus. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to uphold the truth and recognize Jesus as our spiritual king, despite the challenges we may face.