This is our Lord. King of the Jews. Humiliated on a cross. Crucified between two bandits. Remember that conversation in chapter 20 and Jesus’ answer? He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father” (20:23). The conversation about positions of power and authority take a sharp realignment in light of the cross.
This, our Lord declares, is how I will be king. This, our God declares, is how I will save.