The Tale of the Fourth Nail
Evangelist Andy Seastrom preaches from John 19 on the cross of Christ, the nails of Calvary, and the forgotten fourth nail that held the title declaring Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.
A True Tale From Calvary
Some tales are false, and some tales are true. In this message, Brother Andy points the listener to a true tale from the Word of God: Jesus Christ was crucified. He was arrested, mocked, beaten, rejected, led away to Golgotha, and nailed to the cross for sinners.
This is not merely a seasonal truth to remember around Easter. The cross of Christ belongs at the center of our preaching, our worship, our salvation, and our daily walk with God. When you see Him for who He is, and when you see what He did for you, Calvary still has power to humble the heart and draw sinners to the Saviour.
John 19:19, KJV
This sermon calls you to look again at the crucified Christ and ask the question that comes home at the end of the message: is He your King?
Remember the Prominent Nails
Brother Andy first points to the prominent nails, the nails most often remembered when the crucifixion is preached. These were the nails connected to the suffering of the Saviour as He was lifted up on the cross of Calvary.
The message emphasizes that Jesus was not forced to die against His will. He willingly laid down His life. He gave Himself for sinful man. The cross was not an accident, and Calvary was not defeat. The Son of God went there willingly to die in the place of sinners.
You cannot look honestly at the cross and stay neutral about Christ. He is holy and righteous. We are sinners in need of mercy. The Saviour was lifted up so that sinners could behold Him by faith and be healed from the sin sickness that has bitten every one of us.
Take this to heart: the cross is not just something to admire. It is where guilty sinners must come by faith to be saved.
Do Not Miss the Forgotten Nail
This sermon is not mainly about the three nails we usually talk about. Brother Andy turns attention to the fourth nail, the forgotten nail, the nail that held the sign above the head of the Lord Jesus Christ.
That sign was not a small detail. Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. The writing declared, “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.” The prominent nails held the suffering Saviour to the cross, but the forgotten nail held the title that declared who He is.
Many people passed by Calvary and saw a beaten, bloody man. The sign told them who He was. Jesus of Nazareth. The King of the Jews. The fourth nail held before the world a declaration that still stands.
Ask yourself: do I see Jesus only as the One who suffered, or do I also bow before Him as King?
Do Not Try to Change the Sign
The chief priests had a problem with the sign. They did not want it to say that Jesus was the King of the Jews. They wanted Pilate to write that Jesus only claimed to be King.
The same resistance still shows up today. People may call Jesus a good man, a prophet, or a religious teacher, while refusing to bow before Him as Lord. But the message of John 19 does not leave Jesus as merely a teacher among teachers. The sign above His head proclaimed His kingship.
Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” The wording stayed. The declaration remained. Jesus is not less than King because men object to His title.
John 19:22, KJV
The Prophets Already Knew He Was King
Pilate did not originate the truth of Christ’s kingship. Brother Andy points back to the prophets and reminds listeners that the Old Testament had already testified of who Christ is.
Isaiah called Him the Prince of Peace. Micah spoke of the Ruler whose goings forth have been from of old. Zechariah told of the King coming, riding upon a donkey’s colt. Pilate may have written the title, but Heaven had already declared the truth.
You cannot have the peace of God while rejecting the Son of God. You must come to Calvary. You must come to the Prince of Peace. You must make peace with God through Jesus Christ.
He Is King of the Whole World
The message moves from John 19 to Revelation 11, where the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. The One who suffered at Calvary is the One who shall reign forever and ever.
Jesus came as the Lamb of God, but He is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is not only King of the Jews. He is King over all the earth. Every earthly kingdom and every earthly ruler is under His reign.
This truth should lead you to worship. In Revelation 11, the four and twenty elders fall on their faces and worship God. When believers see Christ as King, pride gives way to reverence, indifference gives way to worship, and the heart bows before His authority.
Revelation 11:15, KJV
Is He your King?
Are You Listening to Your King?
Brother Andy presses the message personally by asking, “Are you listening to your King?” If Christ is King, then His Word matters. His law stands. His authority is not optional.
The Bible is not a rule book designed to make your life miserable. It is the King’s book. A believer ought to love this book, obey this book, and let the Word of God shape the spirit, the mind, the home, and the walk with God.
You may hide things from men, but you cannot hide them from the Lord. He knows all. His Word will stand forever. The right response is not to argue with the King, but to bow, repent, believe, and follow Him.
Have You Been to Calvary?
The invitation in this sermon comes down to salvation and surrender. Have you been to Calvary? Do you have a place where you met the Lord? Is Jesus Christ truly your King and your Lord?
Brother Andy reminds listeners that Christ died willingly, rose from the dead, and is coming again. The same Jesus who bore the title above His cross is the coming King. If He is not your King, this is the day to come to Him.
Do not settle for knowing facts about Jesus while refusing to know Him. Come to the crucified, risen, and reigning Christ. See Him in His holiness. See your need as a sinner. Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.
Respond today: bow before Jesus Christ as Saviour and King. Do not wait until it is everlasting too late.
Questions for Personal Reflection
Have I truly beheld Christ by faith?
The sermon points to Jesus lifted up on the cross of Calvary. He willingly died for sinners. Do not merely look at the cross as a religious symbol. Behold Him by faith and come to Him for salvation.
Do I see Jesus as both Saviour and King?
Jesus is the suffering Saviour, but He is also King. The sign over His head declared His kingship, and Revelation shows that He shall reign forever and ever. Do not receive the comfort of His salvation while resisting the authority of His rule.
Am I trying to change what God has declared about His Son?
The chief priests wanted the sign changed, but Pilate refused to alter it. Many still try to make Jesus less than who He is. Let the Word of God stand. Jesus Christ is Lord and King.
Have I made peace with God through Christ?
Brother Andy points to Christ as the Prince of Peace. You cannot have the peace of God without coming to the Son of God. Peace with God comes through the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work at Calvary.
Am I listening to my King?
If Jesus is your King, His Word should have authority in your life. Ask whether you are obeying Him, loving His book, and letting His truth govern your steps.
Do I love the King’s book?
The sermon reminds believers that the Bible will stand forever. It is not meant to make your life miserable. It is the Word of the King, and the child of God should love it, follow it, and live by it.
Do I have a place where I met the Lord?
Brother Andy presses every listener to consider whether they have truly been saved. Do not depend on religious familiarity. Come to Christ personally, repent, believe, and call upon Him for salvation.
For Pastors and Churches
Andy Seastrom Ministries exists to preach Christ-centered Bible messages that call sinners to salvation, encourage churches, and stir believers toward revival and faithfulness.
This message reflects a burden for KJV Bible preaching, gospel witness, the cross of Christ, salvation, worship, and the authority of Jesus Christ as King. Pastors looking for revival meetings, pulpit supply, evangelistic outreach, Bible conferences, camp meetings, or special services can learn more through Andy Seastrom Ministries.
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