And they began to greet Him: “Hail, King of the Jews.”
The soldiers’ greeting outwardly appeared to be an expression of royal honor, but in reality it was full of mockery and contempt. They were shouting, “Greetings, King of the Jews,” yet they did not realize that the true and eternal King was standing before them. People mock His kingdom because they do not understand it: Christ’s authority is not displayed by the sword, by force, or by earthly glory, but by humility, suffering, and the way of the cross. This mocking greeting unwillingly becomes a testimony to the truth: He truly is King, yet He ascends His throne not with human glory, but with sacrificial love. His dishonored kingdom will be revealed as eternal dominion.