The Sign on the Cross

“The King of the Jews”,
the sign there proclaimed –
maybe to amuse
the Governor, – he shamed
their malice displayed.

But they were dismayed!
‘Write only, “he claims …” ’

It’s written: He reigns;
and so it will be,
soon all men will see.

Pilate has a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. … The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not wite ‘The King of the Jews, but that this man claimed to be the king of the Jews.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” John 19:19-22